When a BOLO came out from a neighboring agency, Dunwoody PD jumped into action, utilized their Flock Safety LPRs, and deployed their Flock Aerodome DFR. In less than an hour, the suspect was safely apprehended without incident. Discover how this technology changed the outcome of a high-risk situation.

Dunwoody is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia. Though its population is under 52,000, it is a northern suburb of Atlanta and part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.  Dunwoody is directly off 285, a main artery around Atlanta, and a major train stop. The city has a high daytime population increase due to commuters and one of the largest shopping malls in the Atlanta metro, attracting shoppers and crime.

Dunwoody PD has 60 sworn officers – about 1.2 for every 1,000 citizens – and 13 civilian personnel on staff. They are led by Chief Mike Carlson who “is committed towards strengthening the partnership with our community, fostering innovation, and providing the best training and equipment for our officers and staff.”

Challenge:

Locating an armed suspect who posed a threat to himself and others.

Information came in from a neighboring police department about a subject who was armed and dangerous, shooting recklessly in their city, and was last seen entering the city of Dunwoody. It was unknown whether he intended to cause harm to himself or others. Dunwoody PD determined that this person needed to be located and taken into custody as quickly as possible.

Solution:

Dunwoody PD used Flock LPR to narrow down the area where the suspect might be, identify the suspect's vehicle, and locate it in real-time. This data led them to a local parking deck, where they found the vehicle parked.

To reduce risk and maintain visual contact, officers deployed Flock Aerodome DFR to search the area from above. The drone pilot located the suspect prior to the arrival of officers on the ground. The drone’s aerial perspective allowed Dunwoody PD to monitor the suspect’s movements without direct confrontation, significantly improving both officer and public safety.

The drone was able to remain airborne at a high altitude for an extended duration while providing valuable intelligence relayed to the officers on scene. From hundreds of feet away, the DFR pilot used the drone’s advanced camera and zoomed in to capture key identifying features, including a tattoo on the suspect’s neck, which was later used to confirm his identity. This real-time visibility enabled officers on the ground to coordinate effectively, calmly approach the suspect without him being alerted, and safely take him into custody.

Results:

Thanks to the integration of Flock's LPR and DFR technology, the Dunwoody PD apprehended the suspect without incident. The suspect was taken into custody – within an hour of the BOLO being issued by the neighboring agency – without injuries to officers, civilians, or himself.

This incident highlights how modern public safety technology can minimize risk, speed up response times, and enhance outcomes in high-stakes situations. The successful implementation of LPR and Flock Aerodome not only safeguarded the community but also demonstrated the value of proactive, tech-enabled policing.

Dunwoody PD is a forward-thinking agency dedicated to using technology to improve public safety and foster community trust. Its investment in tools like these highlights its commitment to innovation and responsible policing.