Chamblee Police Launch Real-Time Crime Center

New hub allows officers to track crimes as they happen and sometimes even anticipate them.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chamblee Police Department has unveiled a new Real-Time Crime Center, a hub that allows officers to see crimes as they happen and sometimes even anticipate them. The center centralizes communications, gives officers immediate access to critical data, and features a video wall and Flock Safety cameras positioned around the city. While some residents have raised privacy concerns, the police chief emphasized that the center's priority is solving crimes and enhancing public safety.

Why it matters

The new Real-Time Crime Center represents an evolution in policing, leveraging technology to improve response times and investigations. However, it also raises concerns about surveillance and privacy that the department will need to address.

The details

The Real-Time Crime Center allows officers to track people and vehicles in real-time using alerts, camera feeds, and license plate readers. This has already helped solve cases and locate abducted children, with information shared across multiple jurisdictions. While the center focuses on solving crimes, not monitoring everyday movements, some residents and civil liberties advocates have raised privacy concerns.

  • The Chamblee Police Department unveiled the new Real-Time Crime Center in March 2026.

The players

Michael Dieppa

Chief of the Chamblee Police Department.

Flock Safety

A company that provides camera systems used in the Real-Time Crime Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Back then, it was dispatch calls. Some people didn't even have radios. There were no cellphones. Now, we can watch and respond in real time.”

— Michael Dieppa, Police Chief (atlantanewsfirst.com)

“We're not trying to spy on drivers. Our priority is giving victims a chance at justice.”

— Michael Dieppa, Police Chief (atlantanewsfirst.com)

What’s next

The Chamblee Police Department plans to continue expanding the capabilities of the Real-Time Crime Center to further enhance public safety in the city.

The takeaway

The launch of Chamblee's Real-Time Crime Center represents a significant technological advancement in policing, but it also raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties that the department will need to carefully navigate.