DeKalb Becomes First Ga. County To Adopt New Crime Fighting Tech

By Ellie Ritter

The DeKalb County Office of Public Safety has become one of the first major law enforcement jurisdictions in Georgia to join FirstNet, a nationwide public safety broadband network connecting first responders to crucial information, according to a county press release. 

The network is being built by AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, an organization established by Congress in 2012.  

“DeKalb County has embraced technology to aid crime reduction efforts and improve public safety,”  Jack Lumpkin, deputy chief operating officer of public safety, said. “FirstNet will enhance the county’s public safety response by providing unprecedented coverage, connectivity and interaction during everyday situations and emergency events.”

Through FirstNet, DeKalb Public Safety agencies will be able to share data and critical information that will enhance public safety, such as criminal records, police database information, photos and surveillance video, the release said.

Additionally, FirstNet services allow first responders to maintain communications even when the network is congested.

FirstNet will complement DeKalb County’s recent technology upgrades like the new E911 software system, which went live in April. The $8.8 million computer-aided dispatch system has improved how the county’s 911 center dispatches police, fire rescue, emergency medical services, the Marshal’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.

DeKalb began migrating to the FirstNet broadband network platform in January 2018 with the DeKalb County Police Department becoming the first police department in Georgia to subscribe to FirstNet. The county then completed full implementation in July 2018 and is also working with the county’ss 12 municipalities on adopting FirstNet countywide.

This story was originally published at Decaturish.com.