Technology plays an essential role in advancing the efficiency and impact of public safety efforts. The High Point Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) is an example of this evolution. Designed and installed by Constant Technologies, the RTCC is a strategic asset in the High Point Police Department’s mission to protect and serve the community with precision, speed, and informed decision-making.
Responding to Challenges with Innovation
High Point Chief of Police Curtis Cheeks recounts how the RTCC emerged from necessity amid the challenges of civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. With staffing shortages pushing the department to rethink resource deployment, technology became an essential part of the solution. Cheeks emphasized,
“I’m a big believer in technology and what it can do for us if it’s applied correctly.”
This commitment led to establishing a facility that enables the department to process real-time information seamlessly – supporting critical response during emergencies, large-scale events, and day-to-day operations.
Real-Time Data for Modern Policing
The RTCC delivers real-time data to officers and command staff, enabling rapid and informed decision-making. This data isn’t just beneficial during emergencies; it also enhances daily operations by allowing officers to solve crimes more efficiently.
For example, a police officer from High Point detailed how the RTCC’s camera systems helped piece together evidence from a recent hit-and-run case by tracking the suspect’s vehicle. Analysts can capture video footage to identify suspects immediately after an incident, leading to more effective follow-up investigations.
This technology-driven approach is fundamentally changing how the department allocates its resources. As the Chief explains,
“It’s a lot different to have something happen and get that initial call, and then be able to see where a person who is fleeing from a scene actually goes.”
This capability not only improves response times but also ensures that officers are deployed strategically, reducing the strain on resources.
Enhancing Community Safety
The RTCC’s mission extends beyond operational efficiency – its primary goal is to advance the safety of High Point’s citizens. According to the RTCC Supervisor, the center’s sole purpose is to protect the community by using advanced technology to monitor and respond to threats in real time.
Whether it’s a major event or a critical incident, the RTCC serves as a command hub where data can be analyzed and disseminated quickly, allowing leadership to make well-informed decisions that directly impact the safety of High Point’s residents.
Constant Technologies designed and implemented the RTCC, ensuring that it meets the high standards required for mission-critical operations. By enabling the police department to make data-driven decisions, respond quickly to emerging threats, and better allocate resources – the RTCC models how technology can advance public safety.
The High Point Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center demonstrates how the thoughtful application of technology can help agencies become more resourceful, efficient, and better equipped to protect their communities. Through strategic partnerships like the one with Constant, police departments can ensure they have the tools necessary to meet the demands of modern policing.
