SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Real time crime centers (RTCCs) have become an essential tool for modern law enforcement agencies, enabling rapid response and informed decision-making in critical situations. However, for these centers to operate at their full potential, both internal stakeholders and the broader community must understand and support their mission.
During a presentation at the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, NRTCCA president Nikki North, who is the supervisor of the Flagler County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office RTCC, detailed strategies to gain community buy-in, ensuring RTCCs are seen as vital assets.
Here’s a summary of the key strategies North shared with attendees:
1. Inform your agency
North stressed the importance of ensuring that everyone within the law enforcement agency is aware of the RTCC and understands its capabilities. She shared that she would often contact departments only to find that personnel were unaware of the RTCC’s existence. This lack of awareness prevents the agency from fully utilizing the resources at their disposal. By educating internal stakeholders, agencies can maximize the value of their RTCC.
2. Inform the public
Transparency with the public is crucial in dispelling fears and misconceptions about RTCCs. North advised not to shy away from informing the public about the center’s operations. By clearly communicating what the RTCC does and why it exists, agencies can ease concerns about surveillance and the “Big Brother” perception. Building trust with the community is foundational to the center’s success.
3. Invite the media
North encouraged agencies to engage with the media proactively. Inviting journalists to visit your RTCC and sharing success stories can foster positive relationships. Keeping the media informed helps ensure that the community hears about the RTCC’s accomplishments, which can lead to sustained public support.
4. Pick the right cases to showcase
When promoting the RTCC’s effectiveness, selecting the right cases to highlight is critical. North suggested focusing on impactful incidents such as child molestation cases, home invasion robberies and crash videos. These stories resonate with the public and underscore the center’s role in solving serious crimes, enhancing its reputation.
On Tuesday, March 12, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office apprehended a suspect wanted by @houstonpolice in connection to a violent $1 million jewelry heist in Houston after technology alerted the RTCC that he was passing through Palm Coast. pic.twitter.com/VZ1Kq8nyZn
— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) March 14, 2024
5. Attend council meetings
Engaging with local government is another vital strategy. North recommended attending council meetings and presenting examples and videos of the RTCC in action. By showing that the center responds to specific incidents and isn’t just randomly pulling footage, agencies can counteract any potential scrutiny. Demonstrating the RTCC’s reactive nature — responding directly to live calls — helps build credibility and trust.
6. Offer tours
Public tours of the RTCC can demystify its operations and foster community support. North suggested hosting tours not only for the public but also for officers from other RTCCs. During these tours, agencies can showcase the technology they use, such as traffic cameras and school security systems. These visits provide a firsthand look at how the RTCC enhances public safety.
7. Keep the community informed about technology updates
North underscored the importance of keeping both the media and the public informed about technological advancements in the RTCC. She illustrated this point by recounting a specific incident where an officer requested the RTCC to activate an officer’s body-worn camera livestream during an unfolding situation. This decision, later explained to the media (see the video below), served as a prime example of how proactive communication can demystify the use of advanced technologies, like bodycams, in real-time operations.
By openly discussing the rationale behind using such technologies, law enforcement can help the community understand the decision-making processes that govern these tools, thereby enhancing transparency.
North stressed that regularly updating the public on why and when specific technologies are employed not only clarifies their purpose but also reinforces the commitment of law enforcement to operate with integrity and accountability. This approach not only builds public trust but also preempts potential misunderstandings or concerns about surveillance and privacy.
8. Involve the community
Finally, North discussed the CONNECT Flagler County program, which allows residents to share access to their security cameras with the RTCC.
This program maps out where public cameras are located. In the event of a crime, this network can be invaluable in gathering evidence. North emphasized that building these partnerships is a game-changer for gaining community buy-in and awareness about the value of real time crime centers.
By implementing these strategies, law enforcement agencies can effectively market their RTCCs, ensuring they are not only utilized to their fullest potential but also supported by the communities they serve.
North’s insights offer a roadmap for other agencies looking to strengthen their RTCC’s impact through effective communication and community engagement.
