Real Time Crime Center Toolkit Applied Research Project 2023-24

Principal Researcher:
Sean Malinowski, PhD., Bureau of Justice Assistance Visiting Fellow
Retired Chief of Detectives, Los Angeles Police Department 1994 to 2019.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking to develop a “toolkit” document and other online tools for use by police departments who have identified a need to establish a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Your field knowledge and experience are essential to this project. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to help your partner law enforcement agencies create and deploy their own RTCC.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to

pollas@meraki-info.com

Question Title

* 1. Respondent (your) Contact Information

Name

Title

Organization

Email Address

Phone Number

Question Title

* 2. RTCC Information

Organization Name

Official Name of RTCC

Rank and Title of the Director or Manager of the RTCC:

Question Title

* 3. When did the Department’s RTCC open?

Pre-2005

2005 to 2010

2011 to 2016

2017 to 2021

Since 2021

Question Title

* 4. What was the impetus for opening the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

High Profile Incident?

Surge in Criminal Activity?

Terrorist Threat?

Natural Disaster?

Technological Advances?

Chief’s Mandate?

Community Pressure?

Need to Share Information?

Strategic Planning Process?

Outside Recommendation?

Legal or Policy Change Requiring?

Demonstration of Effectiveness?

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. How was the project funded? Please select all that apply.

Municipal Police Budget

One Time Bond Measure

State Budget Source

Federal Grant Funds

Other Grant Funds

Police Foundation Funding

Private or Corporate Gifts

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. What is the current operations budget for the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Under $50,000

$50,000 to $100,000

$101,000 to $250,000

$251,000 to $500,000

$501,000 to $1 million

Over $1 million

Question Title

* 7. During what days and hours is the RTCC operational? Please select one option only.

24 hours per day, 7 days per week

During business hours only

7 days but not 24 hours

5 days but not 24 hours

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. What was the original start-up costs to establish the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Under $50,000

$50,000 to $100,000

$101,000 to $250,000

$251,000 to $500,000

More than $500,000

Question Title

* 9. Does your RTCC have a Department Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document?

Yes

I don’t know

If so, please provide a link to SOP here or upload on Q10:

Question Title

* 10. If yes to Q9, please attach SOP document

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

Choose File

Question Title

* 11. How many total sworn staff are assigned to the RTCC? Please select one option only.

1-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

26-30

30+

Question Title

* 12. How many total civilian staff are assigned to the RTCC? Please select one option only.

1-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

26-30

30+

Question Title

* 13. To what entity in the chain of command does the RTCC report? Please select one option only.

Operations Division or Bureau

Administration Division or Bureau

Investigations Division or Bureau or Chief of Detectives

Technology Department or Chief Information Officer

Intelligence Division or Bureau

Direct Report to Chief of Police

City Manager or Mayor’s Office

Other, please specify

Question Title

* 14. What if any of the following outside contractor types are assigned to the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

IT and Technology Experts

Data Analysts

Surveillance Systems Experts

Cybersecurity Professionals

Geographic Information System Specialists

Software Developers

Communications Specialists

Emergency Management Consultants

Legal and Compliance Advisors

Training and Support Specialists

Social Media Analysts

Predictive Analytics Experts

None of the above

Question Title

* 15. What if any of the following partner agency representatives are assigned to the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Other Local or Municipal Police Department

School Police

Federal Law Enforcement Agency

State Law Enforcement Agency

Fusion Center Personnel

Other local Government City or County Department

Private Sector Security

Public or Private Utility Company

Traffic Management Department

Non-government Organization

Community Organization

Mental Health Agency

Social Services

Child Protective Services

Homeland Security Agency

Emergency Management Department

Emergency Services (Fire and EMS)

Question Title

* 16. What if any of the following work products are produced by the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Administrative Crime Stats Reports

CompStat Support Documents

Incidents Reports

Follow up Investigative Reports

Crime Bulletins

Daily Crime Briefing Materials

Crime Mapping Products

Chronic Offender Bulletins or BOLO’s

Wanted Vehicles Bulletins

Crime Pattern and Trend Analysis

Intelligence Reports

Crime Forecasts or Predictions

Gun-Shot Detection System Reports

Social Media Analysis

Special Event Plans

Warrant Subject Lists

Field Operations Support

Threat Assessments

Operational Updates

Resource Allocation Reports

Collaboration Summaries

Case Summaries

Training Materials

Question Title

* 17. Are you currently utilizing any form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within your (RTCC)? If yes, please briefly describe how AI is being used in your RTCC operations

Yes

Brief Description

Question Title

* 18. Does the RTCC produce a monthly activity report?

Yes

I don’t know

Question Title

* 19. If yes to Q18, please attach an exemplar

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

Choose File

Question Title

* 20. What if any of the following technology is being used in the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Video Surveillance Systems

Video Analytics

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Predictive Analytics Software

Data Integration Platforms

Crime Analytics Software

License Plate Recognition (LPR) Systems

Gun-shot Detection System

Social Media Monitoring Tools

Biometric Identification Systems

Mobile apps

Emergency Notification Systems

Radio Communications System

Command and Control Software

Big Data Storage and Processing Systems

Cybersecurity Systems

Cloud Computing

Drones or UAV’s Systems

Mobile Command Centers

Body Worn Camera Monitoring Systems

Emergency Response Apps

Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality Technology

Telecommunications Analytics Software

Real Time Data Feeds

Public Utility Records Database

Parole and Probations Records Systems

Department of Corrections Records Management Systems

Question Title

* 21. What if any measures of effectiveness are used to gauge the impact of the RTCC on the Department's operations? Please select all that apply.

Crime Reduction

Response Time Improvement

Crime Clearance Rate

Arrest Rate and Characteristics

Incident Resolution Numbers

Crime Prevention Measures

Officer Safety analysis

Resource Optimization

Community Engagement

Public Perception and Satisfaction

Collaboration Success

Special Event Management

Reduction in Repeat Offenses

Quality of Investigative Leads

Cost Savings

Training and Professional Development

Timeliness of Alerts and Notifications

Adoption of Best Practices

Reduction in Repeat Calls for Service

Intellectual Property Protection (anti-piracy)

Question Title

* 22. How is information disseminated to field personnel? Please select all that apply.

Radio Dispatch

Mobile Data Terminals

Mobile Apps

Text Messaging

Push Notifications

Digital Displays

Two-way Messaging

Live Video Alerts

Automated Alerts

GIS-based Alerts

Crisis Communications Systems

Radio Broadcasts

Integrated Dispatch Systems

Virtual Briefings

Mobile Dashboards

Social Media Monitoring

Automated Vehicle Alerts

In-car Computer System

Augmented Reality Displays

Question Title

* 23. Which of the six RTCC type descriptions listed here best describes the operations of your RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Investigative Focused RTCC:
This type of RTCC primarily supports investigative efforts by providing timely and comprehensive data analysis, intelligence gathering, and evidence collection. Its key features include:
- Advanced data analytics tools to analyze crime trends, patterns, and connections.
- Integration with various data sources, such as databases, social media, and surveillance systems.
- Creation of suspect profiles, linkage analysis, and predictive modeling to aid investigations.
- Collaboration with other agencies, fusion centers, and task forces for cross-jurisdictional cases.
- Tracking progress of ongoing investigations, updating investigators with relevant leads and information.

Patrol Response Focused RTCC:
This type of RTCC aims to enhance patrol officers' real-time decision-making and situational awareness during routine duties and emergency responses. Its key features include:
- Real-time incident tracking and mapping to guide patrol officers to critical incidents.
- Providing officers with live video feeds from surveillance cameras at incident locations.
- Alerts and notifications about crimes in progress, warrant alerts, and safety advisories.
- Integration with dispatch systems for efficient resource allocation and coordination.
- Monitoring of officer status and well-being during potentially dangerous situations.

Emergency Operations Focused RTCC:
An RTCC with an emergency operations focus supports disaster response, crisis management, and coordination of resources during large-scale emergencies. Its key features include:
- Monitoring real-time data from sensors, weather forecasts, and emergency alerts.
- Providing real-time updates to responders about evolving emergency situations.
- Coordinating resource allocation, deployment, and communication during crises.
- Creating and maintaining situational awareness dashboards for incident commanders.
- Facilitating communication and collaboration among responding agencies.

Community Engagement and Predictive RTCC:
This type of RTCC emphasizes community policing, public engagement, and the use of predictive analytics to proactively address crime. Its key features include:
- Engaging with the community through social media, town hall meetings, and community outreach programs.
- Using predictive analytics to identify potential crime hotspots and allocate resources preemptively.
- Providing officers with data-driven insights to initiate community-based interventions.
- Collaborating with social services and NGOs to address underlying causes of crime.
- Regularly sharing crime trends and prevention tips with the public.

Intelligence-Led RTCC:
An intelligence-led RTCC focuses on gathering, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support various law enforcement activities. Its key features include:
- Collection and analysis of intelligence data from various sources, including law enforcement databases and open sources.
- Providing actionable intelligence to investigators, officers, and decision-makers.
- Collaboration with intelligence agencies, fusion centers, and federal partners.
- Monitoring potential threats, criminal networks, and organized crime activities.
- Developing intelligence assessments and reports for strategic decision-making.

Technology Development and Testing RTCC:
This type RTCC focuses on researching, developing, and testing new technologies for law enforcement applications. Its key features include:
- Testing and evaluating emerging technologies such as AI, drones, biometrics, and sensors.
- Developing custom software, tools, and applications to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
- Collaborating with tech companies, startups, and academia for innovative solutions.
- Training officers and personnel on using new technologies effectively and safely.
- Conducting pilot projects to assess the feasibility and impact of new tools.

Question Title

* 24. Would you please share a link, a document or just write a short blurb describing the success or example of the efficacy of your RTCC of which you are most proud?

Question Title

* 25. If you'd like to upload any documents for Q24, please upload them here.

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

Choose File

Question Title

* 26. Would you please share a link, a document or just write a short blurb describing the most significant challenge or challenges you face in operating your RTCC?

Question Title

* 27. If you'd like to upload any documents for Q26, please upload them here.

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

Choose File

Real Time Crime Center Toolkit Applied Research Project 2023-24

Question Title

* 1. Respondent (your) Contact Information

Question Title

* 2. RTCC Information

Question Title

* 3. When did the Department’s RTCC open?

Question Title

* 4. What was the impetus for opening the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 5. How was the project funded? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 6. What is the current operations budget for the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 7. During what days and hours is the RTCC operational? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 8. What was the original start-up costs to establish the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 9. Does your RTCC have a Department Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document?

Question Title

* 10. If yes to Q9, please attach SOP document

Question Title

* 11. How many total sworn staff are assigned to the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 12. How many total civilian staff are assigned to the RTCC? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 13. To what entity in the chain of command does the RTCC report? Please select one option only.

Question Title

* 14. What if any of the following outside contractor types are assigned to the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 15. What if any of the following partner agency representatives are assigned to the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 16. What if any of the following work products are produced by the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 17. Are you currently utilizing any form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within your (RTCC)? If yes, please briefly describe how AI is being used in your RTCC operations

Question Title

* 18. Does the RTCC produce a monthly activity report?

Question Title

* 19. If yes to Q18, please attach an exemplar

Question Title

* 20. What if any of the following technology is being used in the RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 21. What if any measures of effectiveness are used to gauge the impact of the RTCC on the Department's operations? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 22. How is information disseminated to field personnel? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 23. Which of the six RTCC type descriptions listed here best describes the operations of your RTCC? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 24. Would you please share a link, a document or just write a short blurb describing the success or example of the efficacy of your RTCC of which you are most proud?

Question Title

* 25. If you'd like to upload any documents for Q24, please upload them here.

Question Title

* 26. Would you please share a link, a document or just write a short blurb describing the most significant challenge or challenges you face in operating your RTCC?

Question Title

* 27. If you'd like to upload any documents for Q26, please upload them here.

Question Title

* 28. In a few words, what if any advice would you have for your counterpart who may be charged with establishing a RTCC?