Editor’s note: “Voices of Leadership: Interviews with Command Staff” is a mini-podcast series sponsored by Peregrine that brings you in-depth conversations with law enforcement leaders who share how community connection, innovation and collaboration are transforming public safety. Each episode highlights real-world examples of strategies that have made communities safer, from integrating cutting-edge technologies to fostering stronger ties with citizens and city departments.
Join us to learn from the experiences of command staff as they discuss challenges, successes and their vision for the future of policing.
Want to learn more about how technology is shaping public safety? Check out Connected Communities: The Future of Community Safety for insights into how digital tools and innovative approaches are helping law enforcement build stronger, safer communities.
Download this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or via RSS feed, and watch the video version on Police1’s YouTube channel.
Technology is changing the game in public safety. From smart city tools to real-time crime centers, police departments are using innovations like IoT devices, drones and advanced analytics to stay one step ahead. These high-tech solutions don’t just help solve crimes faster — they also make officers’ jobs safer and strengthen connections with the communities they protect. By combining modern tools with teamwork across agencies, law enforcement is finding smarter, more effective ways to keep neighborhoods safe.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley dives into this tech-driven transformation with Lieutenant Sean Riley, commander of Glendale Police Department’s Real-Time Intelligence Center. Riley shares how integrating IoT devices into city infrastructure has redefined public safety in Glendale, improving efficiency, response times and trust within the community.
Riley details Glendale’s experience in building a Real-Time Intelligence Center from the ground up in just 10 months. From automated license plate readers to drones and real-time video streaming, he explains how the department put advanced tools in the hands of officers, enabling faster, smarter decision-making. Riley also highlights how partnerships with regional agencies and vendors like Peregrine have streamlined data systems, enhanced collaboration and maximized resources — all while setting a new standard for modern policing.
Tune in to discover:
- How Glendale PD uses IoT to outsmart staffing challenges
- The Real-Time Intelligence Center’s secret to faster, smarter decisions
- Why public-private teamwork is a game-changer for safety
- How sharing data with neighbors tackles crime across the board
- Lt. Riley’s top tips for building a cutting-edge Real-Time Intelligence Center
Key takeaways from this episode
- IoT integration transforms public safety: Glendale PD’s Real-Time Intelligence Center leverages IoT devices like automated license plate readers, drones and real-time video feeds to improve response times, enhance officer safety and solve crimes faster.
- Real-time intelligence in action: The ability to provide officers with immediate, actionable data — such as suspect information and premises history — has revolutionized how incidents are managed and resources are allocated.
- Regional collaboration boosts efficiency: Partnerships with neighboring agencies and shared data platforms like Peregrine allow seamless coordination and quicker crime-solving across jurisdictions.
- Prevention as a priority: By monitoring patterns and identifying potential threats before they occur, Glendale’s RTIC focuses on preventing crime rather than just responding to it.
- A model for future real-time crime centers: Glendale’s success highlights the importance of involving IT, public works and city leadership early in the process, creating a scalable, efficient and impactful center for public safety.
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