Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company known for its AI-powered safety cameras, is making a return to its roots with a new partnership in South Downtown Atlanta. The venture-backed company, founded in 2017 by Georgia Tech graduate Garrett Langley, announced plans to deploy its cutting-edge camera technology throughout the neighborhood in an effort to bolster public safety.
Flock Safety’s technology is already in use in more than 5,000 communities nationwide, where it helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes faster through its suite of camera and software tools. Now, the company is looking to bring that same level of safety to South Downtown as the area gears up to become Atlanta’s next major tech hub.
Transforming South Downtown into a Safer Tech Hub
The revitalization of South Downtown, spearheaded by entrepreneurs and investors David Cummings and Jon Birdsong, aims to transform the 10-block area south of Five Points MARTA Station into a bustling innovation district. Historically a central business district for Atlanta, South Downtown is now home to a growing number of businesses, coworking spaces, and restaurants, with several historic buildings undergoing renovation.
Incorporating Flock’s technology into the neighborhood is seen as a crucial step in making South Downtown a secure and appealing destination for residents, businesses, and investors.
“There’s a new set of leaders in town that are leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve Atlanta’s most pressing challenges,” said Jon Birdsong, CEO of South Downtown, at a press conference last week.
The deployment will include Flock’s video cameras, license plate recognition tools, and gunshot detection platforms. These systems integrate with the Atlanta Police Department, creating a collaborative approach between law enforcement, businesses, and residents to prevent and solve crimes in real-time.
Collaboration Paves the Way for Safer Streets
Flock Safety’s Chief Strategy Officer Bailey Quintrell shared that conversations with South Downtown leaders began organically once revitalization efforts were underway.
“They recognized that one of the biggest hurdles to creating a thriving community is ensuring safety, especially in areas where people haven’t always felt secure,” said Quintrell. “We’ve found that collaboration between local government, law enforcement, and the business community is key to creating safer spaces.”
This collaboration is already yielding results. Last week, Flock’s cameras were instrumental in swiftly tracking down suspects who had stolen tools from a construction site in the neighborhood.
As South Downtown continues to grow, leaders hope that advanced safety measures like Flock’s technology will play a pivotal role in attracting more businesses and residents to the area.
