At IACP 2022 in Dallas earlier this week, the DeKalb County (GA) Police Department (DCPD) and DCPD Officer Deandre T. Brown, were announced as the winners of the Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award. The award, sponsored by Leonardo, encourages law enforcement agencies, task forces, councils, community partnerships, and other international theft prevention alliances to present the results and effectiveness of their theft prevention and enforcement programs. 

Leonardo, manufacturers of ELSAG Plate Hunter automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology for law enforcement and public safety and security organizations, has partnered with the International Association of Chiefs of Police since 2017 as the sponsor of the award.

“We congratulate DCPD and Officer Brown on their commendable accomplishments through their new Hot Spot initiative,” says Nate Maloney, vice president of marketing and communications for Leonardo. “The effective prevention and resolution of vehicle crimes come down to an agency’s willingness to try new strategies and the constant diligence and active engagement of dedicated officers like Officer Brown.”

Officer Brown, a 3-year veteran of the DCPD, embraced the agency’s new Hot Spot initiative to deter criminal activity in high-crime areas. Hehandled 2,238 calls for service, issued 283 citations, and made 169 arrests, 104 of which were for felonies.

Leonardo plans to support the IACP and the leadership award for many years. “It’s an honor to partner with the IACP,” says Maloney. “They are the authority of the public safety and security missions we strive to support with our constant pursuit of the most advanced recognition technologies available.”

For more information about Leonardo, go to the company’s website.