The Aurora Police Department launched our Real Time Information Center (RTIC) in 2025.
The RTIC is a new initiative that helps us respond to emergencies more quickly and safely. In this room, our trained team, comprised of both sworn and professional staff, watch live city owned camera feeds, use helpful tools like license plate readers, and support officers who are out on calls from one central location. Our team also assists from the air by flying drones during certain situations. This technology can never replace our officers. It simply gives them additional information, sometimes even better information, so they can make safer and smarter decisions.
When someone calls for help, the RTIC can immediately look at any city cameras in the area, check for important details, and share what they see with officers who are responding. This helps officers understand what is happening before they arrive, which keeps everyone safer. The RTIC also works closely with detectives, helping solve cases faster by reviewing video and information in real time that might have been missed before.
Our Drone as First Responder program is another part of this effort. When certain calls come in, a drone can launch and fly to the scene to provide an overhead view. This gives officers a clearer picture of what is going on, improves response times, and adds an extra layer of safety for the community. Every drone flight is monitored and controlled by trained staff and follows strict rules and federal guidelines.
The purpose of the RTIC is simple. It helps us protect our community, solve crimes more quickly, support our officers, and build trust with the people we serve. It is one more step toward making Aurora a safer place for everyone.