New Police Technology & Community Trust with DeKalb Police Interim Chief Gregory Padrick
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This month on Chakira’s Corner, we sat down with DeKalb County’s Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick to discuss public safety, innovation, and the department’s ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe. |
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Clockwise from top left: Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Chief Gregory Padrick, and Host, Matt Shedd |
Chief Padrick, a proud DeKalb native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spent nearly 30 years with the department—rising through the ranks and serving in every area from criminal investigations to uniform patrol. His long tenure gives him a unique perspective on the department, and it shows in his thoughtful approach to leadership. |
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Real-Time Crime Center: Safer, Smarter, Faster One of the most exciting initiatives underway is the Real-Time Crime Center—a high-tech hub that integrates live camera feeds, license plate recognition, and real-time analytics. This technology gives officers actionable intelligence before they arrive on scene, helping prevent and solve crimes more efficiently. District 4 has been a pioneer in advancing these tools. We were among the first districts to invest in Flock Safety cameras, laying the groundwork for a countywide network. That early leadership allowed us to deploy cameras on a smaller scale, measure their effectiveness, and demonstrate their value for improving public safety. Building on that success, the County unanimously approved “Digital Shield,” an $18.9 million public safety investment that will expand and connect these technologies across DeKalb. With the support of CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the Board of Commissioners, this initiative positions DeKalb County at the forefront of public safety innovation—not just locally, but potentially nationwide. While the program is already underway, full deployment is expected within the next year. See DeKalb County’s Official Statement on the use of Flock Technology here: bit.ly/FlockDeKalbStatement |
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Drones as First Responders & Transparency Another innovation is the new drones system, designed to act as “first responders.” These drones are strategically positioned across the county and remotely operated by FAA-licensed professionals from the Real-Time Crime Center. They can respond faster than officers in many situations, such as missing person cases, large crowd events, or violent crime incidents, giving our teams critical intelligence before arriving on scene. Chief Padrick emphasized that data privacy and accountability are top priorities. Every system—cameras, drones, and in-house data—is governed by strict policies and audit controls. Residents’ identities are protected, and all technology is used to protect the public, never to intrude. |
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Recruitment & Retention: Growing DeKalb’s Police Department Staffing and morale are improving thanks to CEO and Board support: Sworn officers increased from 527 to 565, a 7.2% net growth this year Employee retention is 91.3%, with turnover at only 9% Returning officers who left the department are coming back New civilian analyst positions will support the Real-Time Crime Center, keeping officers on the streets
Chief Padrick noted that the department is budgeted for 850 sworn officers and continues to run recruitment and academy classes to reach that goal. Interested in joining DKPD? Explore opportunities at JoinDKPD.com. |
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Citizens Police Academy & Community Engagement One of the most impressive programs in the department is the Citizens Police Academy, which provides residents with a behind-the-scenes look at police operations. The 12-week program includes: Criminal investigations and forensics Use-of-force and de-escalation training Active shooter response Mobile Crisis Unit operations Virtual reality scenario training Visits to the E911 Center and Real-Time Crime Center
Graduates often continue as community ambassadors, volunteering through the Volunteers in Police Services program and supporting neighborhood outreach efforts. Programs like “Coffee with a Cop” and the Police Athletic League also strengthen the bonds between officers and residents. This program is a great way to see how much goes into effective policing and to understand the department from the inside out. To learn more about DKPD's community outreach programs and to sign up for the Citizen's Academy visit dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/community-information |
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Crime Trends & Understanding the Data Crime in DeKalb is trending downward in key areas, including homicides, traffic fatalities, and property crimes. Chief Padrick explained that using the NIBRS system (National Incident-Based Reporting System) gives a more accurate picture of crime than older reporting methods, capturing every offense in an incident rather than just the most serious. Residents can view their local data via CrimeMapping.com or reach out to precinct Public Education Specialists, who attend neighborhood meetings and provide guidance on crime prevention. |
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Central Drive & Memorial Drive: Safety & Revitalization We discussed ongoing safety efforts in Central Drive and Harris Road, where recent incidents have prompted targeted patrols and technology deployment. Mobile camera trailers and gunshot detection systems are helping officers respond faster and more effectively. On Memorial Drive, public safety is central to revitalization. Multiple closures along the corridor have impacted businesses, and our goal is to make the area feel safe, welcoming, and economically vibrant again. With the Real-Time Crime Center, officer coordination, and community partnerships, we are making real progress. |
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Final Thoughts We are so grateful to Chief Padrick for sharing his insights. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and when residents, officers, and businesses work together, we all benefit. Remember: If you see something, say something. Even a small tip can prevent a bigger incident. |
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