Constant Technologies provides mission-critical command center solutions. Our collaboration with the Cicero Police Department in Illinois demonstrates how technology and purpose-driven design improve situational awareness and public safety. In this video, Constant’s Public Safety Director Lt. (Retired) Sean Arthur, and the Cicero RTCC team offer a look inside the Cicero Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC).
Watch the Cicero PD RTCC Tour
In this brief video tour, you’ll see how the Cicero PD RTCC was designed to enhance real-time situational awareness, operational efficiency, and community safety. Watch below to see how Constant Technologies and the Cicero Police Department partnered to design a center to improve public safety.
Why Cicero Established an RTCC
The town of Cicero, Illinois is a vibrant and historic community just outside Chicago. Its proximity to the city brings both opportunities and challenges. Cicero borders some of the most difficult areas of Chicago and frequently experiences spillover crime. For the police department, this means that critical priorities include:
- Staying ahead of incidents
- Responding quickly
- Maintaining strong community trust
The Cicero Police Department decided to establish a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) to strengthen situational awareness and improve public safety response. Leadership recognized that having access to live information during an incident would allow officers to respond more effectively, prevent offenders from fleeing, and provide residents with greater peace of mind.
How the Cicero PD Started the RTCC
Launching an RTCC required both vision and planning. Cicero engaged its IT department and brought in Constant Technologies as a design and integration partner. While the department provided input on operational needs, Constant supplied the technical expertise, system design, and integration that brought the RTCC to life.
How the RTCC Evolved
In the past, officers had to canvass neighborhoods after an incident, reviewing camera footage after the fact. Now, the RTCC integrates license plate readers, pole-mounted cameras, and other technology, which enables the Cicero PD to follow events in real time. As one officer noted, “it’s nice to have access immediately,” rather than chasing leads after suspects have already gotten away.
Who Works in the RTCC
The RTCC is staffed by trained Cicero PD personnel who monitor live video feeds, coordinate with field officers, and support operations. The team functions like a command center, sharing information not only within Cicero, but also with neighboring jurisdictions during emergencies such as crimes, fires, missing persons, or even infrastructure issues such as broken water mains. The Cicero PD Deputy Superintendent describes how they:
“provide a lot of information to other entities in town: the fire department, public works, etc. Whether it’s a broken water pipe, missing child, or a crime, we provide information in real time for a safe response by any first responder.”
What’s Inside the Real Time Crime Center?
The Cicero RTCC is a mission-critical command center designed for reliability and performance. Integrated systems bring together video feeds, analytics, and communications tools into a single operating environment. The design emphasizes both situational awareness and operational efficiency, ensuring officers in the field have a virtual backup supporting them.
A central feature of the RTCC is its mission-critical video wall, which allows operators to view multiple live feeds, maps, and real-time data at the same time. By consolidating information onto a shared display, the video wall ensures that the entire team has a common operating picture, which facilitates rapid decision-making and coordinated response.
The RTCC is also equipped with 24/7-ready tech consoles designed for durability, ergonomics, and operator comfort. These workstations enable staff to remain focused and effective during long shifts, while also housing the technology infrastructure needed to support continuous operations. Together, the video wall and workstations provide the foundation for a high-performance environment where situational awareness and operation support come first.
Positive Impact on Cicero PD and the Community
The RTCC has quickly proven its value. Officers report that real-time access to information helps them catch suspects faster, build stronger cases from the outset, and even step in to assist solo patrol officers who may be unable to communicate over the radio. The system also aids in managing large public gatherings like festivals and parades, providing an “extra set of eyes” to help maintain safety. For residents, this means quicker response times, greater transparency, and faster resolution of cases, bringing closure to victims and reassurance to the community.
Constant as a Trusted Partner
The Cicero RTCC was made possible through a strong partnership with Constant Technologies. From initial design through integration and installation, Constant’s team of designers, engineers, and project managers ensured the system met the highest standards of innovation and reliability. As the Cicero PD RTCC Supervisor put it:
“The future is here in Cicero, and it looks bright.”
At Constant Technologies, we see that each mission-critical environment is unique. By combining our expertise with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, we design and integrate spaces that empower professionals and drive results.
Constant Technologies specializes in designing, implementing, and supporting mission-critical command centers like the Cicero RTCC. With over 40 years of experience, our expertise ensures seamless integration of technology, optimized workflows, and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of public safety agencies. Visualize your RTIC with a free design consultation:
- User-friendly video wall systems
- Ergonomic and durable workstations
- Design, installation, and ongoing support
For more information, please contact us today.
