Real-time crime centers (RTCCs) are an increasingly popular solution for law enforcement agencies seeking a more effective, data-driven approach to policing. RTCCs have spread throughout the U.S. since 2005, when the New York Police Department launched the first-ever iteration. While locations, sizes, and staffing models vary among RTCCs, their mission remains the same: collecting real-time intelligence and delivering it to field personnel to enable more effective, efficient operations.

Real-time crime center meaning

An RTCC is a cross-disciplinary hub where personnel receive live data inputs, extract intelligence from that data, and disperse relevant information to officers and investigators. RTCCs provide a central space for an agency’s internal and external real-time data inputs, such as drone and helicopter footage, body-worn camera (BWC) footage, CCTV footage, and license plate recognition (LPR) systems. Depending on each agency’s needs and budget, an RTCC may operate part time or 24/7 and be staffed with sworn officers, civilian analysts, or a mix of both.

What does RTCC stand for in police work?

Real-time crime centers are typically referred to as “RTCCs.” However, some law enforcement agencies use different terms for their crime centers, such as:

• Public safety crime center
• Real-time intelligence center (RTIC)
• Real-time information center (RTIC)
• Real-time operations center (RTOC)
• Real-time awareness center (RTAC)

What is the mission of a real-time crime center?

The primary goal of an RTCC in policing is to provide critical information to on-the-ground personnel during active incidents. To accomplish this, RTCC analysts field information from 911 calls, video surveillance feeds, LPR systems, and agency databases. They then quickly prioritize, analyze, and communicate useful insights. For example, RTCC police personnel might use drone footage to guide an officer in pursuit of a vehicle, or to flag prior incidents at a particular address. While an officer is occupied, RTCC personnel can proactively call for backup or gather evidence via BWC footage.

Effective RTCCs streamline communication, resulting in faster response times, increased officer safety, and more efficient resource allocation. Real-time intelligence also supports increased productivity, faster investigations, and interagency collaboration. For example, crime analysts use real-time data to track trends and map crime hotspots, and command staff rely on RTCC insights to inform staffing and proactive policing strategies.

How does a real-time crime center work?

RTCCs commonly channel dozens of live data sources, including agency-owned technology and community-owned video feeds. Often, agencies build a standup room with several screens to display multiple inputs simultaneously. RTCC staff — such as dispatch, sworn officers, and civilian analysts — leverage information from 911 calls, video feeds, external data sources, and their agency’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS).

With so many separate data sources, RTCCs need highly trained staff and connective technology. Leaders should establish standard operating procedures that define clear roles and lines of communication. Agencies can also improve their RTCC operations by investing in data integration technology that unifies their internal and external data sources. This enables RTCC personnel to find contextualized insights with one search, in seconds, and quickly share that information with field officers.

Where are real-time crime centers located?

No two RTCCs are identical; each agency designs its real-time operations around budget and staffing limitations. Agencies with more resources might build a new, standalone RTCC in a separate command center. Some RTCCs are housed in a police department’s building, whether in a separate room or integrated into the agency’s operation. Some smaller agencies are getting creative by utilizing mobile RTCCs that leverage drone technology.

How many real-time crime centers are there in the U.S.?

Traditional and unconventional RTCCs are spreading rapidly throughout the country. As of August 2025, there are an estimated 225 real-time operations centers in the U.S., according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) Atlas of Surveillance. Just two years ago, the EFF reported 135 RTCCs.

Stand up your agency’s RTCC

Police agencies across the U.S. are investing in real-time crime centers to optimize their operations, speed up investigations, and keep their officers safer. The most effective RTCCs rely on powerful integration platforms like Peregrine to contextualize dozens of real-time inputs alongside an agency’s internal data. Peregrine supports real-time operations through data unification, analysis, and visualization, complete with secure data sharing capabilities. To learn how Peregrine provides the essential foundation for your agency’s RTCC, schedule a demo.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about real-time crime centers

How many cities have a real-time crime center?

As of August 2025, there were 225 RTCCs across the U.S., according to the EFF’s Atlas of Surveillance.

What is a real-time crime center?

A real-time crime center is a centralized hub that helps police agencies respond quickly and effectively to crimes. An RTCC brings together dozens of real-time intelligence inputs, such as CCTV and video surveillance feeds, BWC footage, and LPR systems.

What does RTCC stand for?

“RTCC” in police work stands for “real-time crime center.”

What functions does a real-time crime center serve?

Real-time crime centers streamline live intelligence inputs and lines of communication within a police agency. RTCC personnel guide incident responses, provide situational awareness to officers, and assist with investigations.

How does a real-time crime center work?

RTCCs bring together dozens of real-time intelligence inputs, such as video surveillance, gunshot detection systems, LPRs, and BWC footage. When the agency receives a call for service, RTCC analysts leverage those data sources to direct responding officers and gather evidence.