New Police Technology & Community Trust with DeKalb Police Chief Greg Padrick | Chakira’s Corner

Commissioner Chakira Johnson welcomes DeKalb County Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick for an in‑depth conversation about the future of public safety, technology, and community partnership in DeKalb County.

Chief Padrick discusses his 28‑year career, from U.S. Marine service to every rank within the department, and how that experience guides his leadership today. Together, he and Commissioner Johnson explore how the new Real Time Crime Center will integrate drones, FLOCK cameras, and advanced data analytics to enhance public safety and officer efficiency while maintaining transparency and privacy protections.

They also discuss regional collaboration with neighboring cities and community groups, major progress in officer recruitment and retention, and the addition of new civilian analyst roles within the police department. Other topics include the Citizens Police Academy, how residents can use crimemapping.com to track neighborhood data, and ways community members can engage directly with precincts and officers. The conversation closes with an update on recent activity along Central Drive, long‑term revitalization goals for Memorial Drive, and a shared vision for building a safer, stronger DeKalb.

Featured Resources:

Crime Reports: https://crimemapping.com

Find My Precinct: https://bit.ly/FindMyDeKalbPolicePrecinct

DeKalb Police Website: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/dekalb-county-police-department

Community Information & Programs: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/community-information

Flock Safety Statement: https://bit.ly/FlockDeKalbStatement

Join DeKalb County Police Department: https://joindkpd.com

Public Information Office (PIO): https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/public-information-office

Memorial Drive Corridor Interactive Plan: https://bit.ly/MDCRevitalizationInteractiveMap

Email: [e-mail] & Updates: https://linktr.ee/commissionerchakirajohnson

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Episode PreviewCommissioner Johnson introduces the topic of public safety and her guest, Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick, setting the stage for a conversation on policing, innovation, and community trust in DeKalb County.

01:10 – Chief Padrick’s Journey to LeadershipFrom DeKalb native to Marine Corps Sergeant to Interim Chief, Padrick shares how his service shaped his values of discipline and accountability.

06:07 – The Real-Time Crime Center & Modern PolicingHow drones, FLOCK cameras, and data analytics will improve safety, prevent crime, and create new civilian jobs while protecting privacy.

19:02 – Recruitment, Retention & Workforce GrowthUpdates on officer staffing, returning employees, and the department’s success in rebuilding morale and stability.

24:10 – Community Engagement & Citizen PartnershipsAn inside look at the 12-week Citizens Police Academy, neighborhood programs, and outreach efforts like PAL and Coffee with a Cop.

35:10 – Crime Data & TransparencyHow residents can access neighborhood reports through crimemapping.com and understand what crime statistics really represent.

43:40 – 911 Response & Technology IntegrationHow calls are triaged, response times improved, and new tech links 911 directly to the Real-Time Crime Center.

47:10 – Central Drive & Memorial Drive RevitalizationStrategies for addressing gun violence, deploying gunshot detection, and aligning safety with economic development.

54:00 – Closing Reflections & Call to ActionChief Padrick and Commissioner Johnson invite residents to stay informed, get involved, and help shape a “One DeKalb” future.