The East Point PD Goes Super High-Tech–Department’s New Crime Center Profiled On Fox 5 Atlanta: But City’s Camera Utilization Comes Amid Backdrop Of National “Flock Camera” Debate

FOX 5 Atlanta recently visited the East Point Police Department’s state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), a high-tech command hub designed to revolutionize local law enforcement and slash emergency response times.

The center integrates a vast network of 300 to 400 surveillance cameras with a specialized fleet of silent, “Air Force Grade”, grey drones. According to Police Chief Shawn Buchanan, the facility serves as the nervous system for the department, which handles a massive amount of calls annually.

“It’s revolutionary,” Buchanan said in an interview with the TV News station. “We have about 125,000 calls a year for service. So if we can cut the amount of calls out and reduce our response times through technology, it’s one of the most revolutionary inventions in law enforcement”, the chief said.

Eyes in the Sky

The centerpiece of the new initiative is an advanced drone-as-first-responder program. When an emergency call hits the dispatch desk, operators can immediately launch an overhead drone.

Department data shows these silent aircraft can reach the scene of 80% of emergency calls in 90 seconds or less. This speed allows operators to beam live video feeds directly to responding patrol cars, giving officers vital situational awareness before they arrive.

Citizens Demand Safety As Flock Surveillance Becomes Controversial

While the system relies heavily on live video streams to track active suspects, officials confirmed the network strictly utilizes standard security and traffic feeds. It does not currently integrate automated license plate readers, according to Chief Buchanan.

“So we have about 3 or 400 cameras that we use to monitor traffic and also to track crime”, the chief said, “But they have nothing to do with license plate readers”.

The city does however use RedSpeed Cameras near school zones in the city, which takes photos of license plates when a motorist is caught speeding in school zones during school hours. A citation is then issued to the car’s registration and tag. If a motorist fails to successfully dispute the $80 fee or fails to pay it, the vehicle’s tag and registration are suspended by the State.

Buchanan reported that 80% of emergency calls can be answered in 90 seconds or less using drone response units. Official 2025 crime statistics for East Point show that crime decreased across the board, including huge drops in homicides and aggravated assaults, following a national trend.

Flock Grows But So Does Alleged Misuse

About 70% of Georgia’s cities utilize Flock Safety systems. However, even as the expanding network has helped solve crimes and provides helpful assistance to local law enforcement in their efforts to both deter and address criminal acts, the systems have also faced intense regional scrutiny regarding privacy concerns, data sharing, and auditing safeguards.

More than a dozen law enforcement officials in Georgia have been either terminated, charged with a crime, or both over allegedly missing Flock technology over the past year alone.

Flock Cameras Become The Victims

Although there is an increasing usage of Flock cameras across the country, not only by law enforcement but by large retailers like Home Depot as well, an unusual irony has become more prevalent as well: Vandalism of Flock cameras.

An NPR review confirmed cameras have been targeted in at least 36 states–making the tool used to prevent crime the victim itself. And anti-Flock activists are cutting poles down with saws, shooting the units, smashing them, or covering lenses with paint, tape, and glue.

In addition, a growing online movement called “Deflock America” has spread across social media, with some creators promoting specific dates to disable the network.

And the controversy shows no sign of slowing down as both supporters and skeptics of the system continue the discussion on social media, and News outlets across the country feature stories about their use.

Safety First

But for many folks in East Point, a city that has in the past several years controversially made a handful of independent lists labeling it as one Georgia’s most violent cities, increased camera presence and the comfort of knowing the police department is using advanced technology to aggressively fight crime is welcome news–regardless of what’s being said on the news and on social media.

“Bring more cameras and keep the police on the streets”, said longtime East Point resident John Bell. “If anybody don’t like the cameras then tough. It’s helping the cops keep the riff-raff at bay. I say to the cops: More power to ya!”.

Unsolved Crimes

Chief Buchanan also spoke about one of the city’s most notorious crimes of recent years: The slaying of 55-year-old Ina Chambers who was shot and killed outside the Gus Thornhill Funeral Home in East Point in January.

The advanced camera system was not available at the time of Ms. Chambers’ murder, which took place following the viewing of a family member at the mortuary. Buchanan said he is sure there will be a breakthrough in the case soon.

“I will tell you, it’s a lot going on with that case, but I feel very confident in the very near future, that case will come to a close,” Buchanan said.

To share information about an unsolved crime, call 404-577-8477, Text CSGA to 738477 or visit the Crime Stoppers website here.