As city managers, law enforcement agencies, and first responders face mounting pressure to combat crime and respond to emergencies with limited resources, real-time crime centres empowered by a new generation of data-driven technologies are emerging as an effective force multiplier.
Real-time crime centres
Real-time crime centres (RTCCs) serve as centralised hubs where dedicated personnel leverage pioneering-edge technologies to analyse diverse data streams and provide critical support to law enforcement and emergency operations.
These 24/7 facilities are transforming how agencies gather, process, and act upon information, enabling more proactive and efficient policing strategies.
The core functions of RTCCs
These centres provide officers with unprecedented situational awareness and real-time intelligence
At their core, RTCCs are tasked with three primary objectives: enhancing safety, facilitating identification, and supporting apprehension.
By integrating data from a wide range of data sources, these centres provide officers with unprecedented situational awareness and real-time intelligence.
Integrated data approach
This integrated data approach allows RTCCs to alert officers to potential threats, quickly identify suspects, and guide responders during critical incidents. For instance, in the event of a robbery, RTCC operators can rapidly search camera and licence plate data to track suspect vehicles, significantly improving the chances of a swift arrest.
According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the U.S. Department of Justice, the mission of an RTCC is to centralise a broad range of current and evolving technologies, coordinate sworn and non-sworn human resources, and direct the attention to high-crime areas, active crimes in progress, high-profile or highly recidivistic offenders, and large-scale public events that may require law enforcement presence or response.
The technology powering RTCCs
The effectiveness of an RTCC hinges on its ability to seamlessly integrate a wide array of technologies:
- Open Platform Video Technology: At the heart of many crime centres is an open platform video management software (VMS) that serves as the central nervous system, unifying diverse data streams into a cohesive operational picture. By leveraging open APIs and SDKs, the VMS can incorporate a wide range of cameras, sensors, and analytics tools. This data-driven approach to video technology enables seamless alert distribution to both the RTCC and field officers via mobile applications.
- IP Camera Networks: The eyes of an RTCC, these systems combine fixed, PTZ, multi-sensor, thermal, and other specialty cameras to provide continuous city monitoring. Strategically placed throughout urban areas, cameras offer comprehensive coverage of critical locations such as transportation hubs, commercial districts, and high-crime zones. This network forms the foundation for real-time monitoring and incident response.
- Sensor Arrays: Beyond visual data, RTCCs employ various sensor technologies. Acoustic sensors can detect sounds such as gunshots, shouts for help, breaking glass, and other sounds instantly alerting officers and cueing nearby cameras. Environmental sensors monitor air quality for gasses, smoke, and other non-visible hazards.
- Licence Plate Recognition (LPR): LPR systems act as a force multiplier, continuously scanning for vehicles of interest. By generating real-time alerts for stolen or wanted vehicles, these systems significantly enhance the ability to track suspects and recover stolen property, contributing to reduced auto theft rates.
- Aerial Surveillance: Many RTCCs incorporate drone technology, providing on-demand aerial perspectives of developing situations. This capability is particularly valuable for monitoring large-scale events, assessing natural disasters, supporting operations in hard-to-reach areas, and serving as a powerful first response for crime scene situational awareness.
- AI-Powered Analytics: At the heart of many RTCC operations are sophisticated AI algorithms that analyse video data in real-time. These systems can identify a range of suspicious activities, from unattended packages to unauthorised intrusions. By rapidly processing vast amounts of video data, they help operators focus on potential threats and anomalies.
- Geospatial Mapping: To make sense of the influx of data, RTCCs rely on advanced mapping software. These tools visualise events, alerts, and data streams geographically, allowing operators to quickly identify patterns, clusters of activity, and relationships between incidents.
- Database Integration: RTCCs maintain direct connections to various law enforcement databases, including local, state, and federal resources like the National Crime Information centre (NCIC). This integration allows for rapid background checks and threat assessments, providing crucial context for ongoing operations.
- Cloud Infrastructure: The scalability and flexibility of cloud computing are revolutionising RTCC capabilities. Cloud and hybrid solutions offer secure, off-site storage and facilitate easy data sharing between agencies. This approach not only reduces initial costs but also allows for incremental upgrades, making advanced RTCC functionality accessible even to agencies with limited budgets.
Real-world impact
RTCC operators tracked shooting suspects via camera feeds, guiding officers to their location
The proliferation of RTCCs across the United States with over 80 centres in operation speaks to their proven effectiveness.
Cities that have implemented these high-tech command centres are reporting significant improvements in response times, clearance rates, and overall public safety.
Real-time surveillance
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the local RTCC leverages over 1,300 live video feeds to provide real-time surveillance across the city. This extensive network, combined with gunshot detection technology and licence plate readers, has already demonstrated its value.
In a recent incident, RTCC operators were able to track shooting suspects via camera feeds, guiding officers to their location for a quick apprehension.
Video analysis by RTCC
Similarly, Newport News, Virginia, saw an immediate impact after launching its RTCC in 2021. The centre has played a crucial role in solving homicides caught on video and rapidly closing a series of carjacking cases.
These success stories underscore the game-changing potential of RTCCs when it comes to solving crimes and gathering evidence. In Memphis, Tennessee, video analysis by RTCC detectives helped identify a shooter in custody following an incident at a community basketball court even when no witnesses had come forward.
Identifying suspects with RTCC
Officers and analysts can view street and body camera footage to monitor crowds at parades
The Jackson Police Department in Mississippi has seen similar benefits since building an RTCC in 2019, part of a broader effort that included deploying 100 cameras and 271 body cams.
Officers and analysts can view street and body camera footage to monitor crowds at parades and other events. During pursuits, the cameras provide extra surveillance, allowing officers to identify suspects or witnesses to help solve crimes.
Enhancing crime mitigation and emergency response
While RTCCs have proven their worth in responding to active incidents, their true potential lies in proactive crime prevention and enhanced emergency preparedness.
By leveraging advanced analytics and integrated data sources, RTCCs are evolving into powerful predictive tools for law enforcement.
Pattern recognition algorithms
For instance, pattern recognition algorithms can analyse historical crime data alongside real-time video feeds to identify potential hotspots for criminal activity.
This allows law enforcement to strategically deploy resources, increasing visible presence in high-risk areas before crimes occur. Similarly, anomaly detection systems can alert RTCC operators to unusual behaviors or suspicious activities, enabling early intervention in potentially dangerous situations.
Asset and property protection, automated alerts
RTCCs can monitor critical infrastructure, government buildings, and other high-value assets 24/7
Asset and property protection is another area where RTCCs excel. By integrating with access control systems and using AI-powered video analytics, RTCCs can monitor critical infrastructure, government buildings, and other high-value assets 24/7.
Automated alerts for perimeter breaches, unauthorised access attempts, or suspicious objects left in restricted areas allow for an immediate response, significantly enhancing security postures.
Emergency response and preparedness
In terms of emergency response and preparedness, RTCCs serve as vital command and coordination centres during crises. Whether facing natural disasters, major accidents, or other large-scale emergencies, RTCCs provide a centralised hub for information gathering and dissemination.
Real-time video streams from affected areas, combined with data from environmental sensors and emergency service communications, allow for rapid situational assessment and coordinated response efforts.
Post-incident investigation and analysis
RTCCs can also play an active role in post-incident investigation and analysis. The ability to quickly compile and analyse vast amounts of data from multiple sources can significantly accelerate case resolution and help identify patterns to prevent future incidents.
As RTCCs continue to evolve, their capacity for integrating diverse data streams and leveraging advanced analytics positions them as indispensable tools in modern law enforcement strategy.
The future of technology-driven policing
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to enhance video analytics
As RTCCs continue to evolve, they are likely to incorporate even more advanced technologies. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to enhance video analytics capabilities, enabling faster and more accurate threat detection.
Additionally, the expanding use of drones, subject to FAA regulations, could provide RTCCs with cost-effective aerial surveillance options.
Effective and ethical operations
However, the implementation of RTCCs is not without challenges. Agencies must navigate issues of privacy, data security, and community trust.
Ongoing training for personnel and careful planning is essential to ensure these centres operate effectively and ethically.
Data-driven approach
Despite these hurdles, the trend toward technology-driven policing shows no signs of slowing. RTCCs represent a shift from reactive to proactive law enforcement strategies, offering a data-driven approach to crime prevention and response.
As these centres become more prevalent, they will play an increasingly vital role in helping agencies maximise their resources and make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to safer communities for all.