Bunnell, FL - With hopes to continue a decline in crime that's now over three years running, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office debuts their brand-new Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).
The new RTCC will host a slew of advanced technologies to provide necessary information to first responders in the field, which includes camera systems, crime databases and license plate reader (LPR) technology. The center also boasts real-time access to all public school cameras in the district just in case a serious incident or threat to a school is detected. (FCSO stated that school cameras are not monitored and are only accessed in the event of an active investigation or threat.)
Crime analysts may also pull up any camera feeds in the area to aid first responders during a 911 call or a crime. They can also pass along traffic information for emergency vehicles, situational awareness and investigative information during life-threatening emergencies and real-time information on hazards during storms, just to name a few.
And as a testament to the new technology they're utilizing, the FCSO stated that they have recently solved two potential Silver Alert cases were solved with the use of license plate readers. Both persons were found safely before a missing person’s report was even filed.
"The RTCC using this technology truly allows us to strategically use available resources better, apprehend criminals faster and prevent crime by apprehending offenders before they can commit additional crimes," says Sheriff Rick Staly.
Residents and business owners can also do their part in assisting the RTCC by joining the FCSO's "Silent Guardian" program*. With that program, participating businesses and homes can become additional resources for the RTCC through the use of their personal home or business surveillance systems, such as Ring or business cameras.
“It is not the design or the intention of the RTCC to be a monitoring station for surveillance videos or to
be ‘Big Brother’ to our community," said Investigative Services Division Chief Paul Bovino. "Our mission is to help support and direct deputies in the field to make them more effective and to enhance their ability to protect the public."
*Joining the Silent Guardians program does NOT give FCSO direct access to the surveillance footage. It simply tells FCSO that footage may be available in the event of an emergency. Camera feeds in the RTCC are not monitored around the clock. The camera feeds are utilized only in the event of an emergency, a crime, or other event.
