Dunwoody Police Open Real-Time Crime Center

DUNWOODY, Georgia. – Dunwoody Police Department is protecting the city through the use of technology and unveiled its new Real-Time Crime Center on Thursday.

“It combines all the cameras. Our live cameras, ShotSpotters that detect gunfire, and our license plate readers and puts them all on one platform,” said Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson.

The cameras in the Real-Time Crime Center are monitored. Although the officers cannot always be everywhere, here they are close.

“It’s like we have extra eyes and ears out there,” Chief Carlson said.

This also increases safety. If an officer stops a road user, they can access the crime center camera in real time to assist.

A map shows the use of gunshot detection technology. If a shot is fired, the officers on site are immediately notified and can go to the appropriate locations independently.

Chief Carlson says drones will soon be integrated into the system to provide information even faster in many cases.

“At the push of a button, it launches from a rooftop and flies to the location where we need the drone so we have eyes and ears over the location,” said Chief Carlson.

Because many departments are short-staffed, the technology cannot replace police officers, but the chief says the technology multiplies the force.

The Real-Time Crime Center cost $360,000 and was funded by SPLOST dollars.

The city administration speaks of a turning point.

“Not only do we have the technology to make Dunwoody a safer community, but it also enables us to solve crimes,” said Police Chief Carlson.