A well-designed Real Time Information Center (RTIC) tightens safeguards around the use of our ALPRs, cameras and security software by centralizing access, enforcing policy-driven use, logging every action and enabling systematic oversight. The RTIC monitors our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and radio traffic in real time.  As officers respond to calls, the RTIC is able to help provide relevant information and provide context of what an officer is responding to while they are en route, improving officer safety. During emergency response and critical incidents, the RTIC supports a coordinated response of the different public safety agencies and Town departments that are assisting. 

No. A center or technology cannot ever replace a police officer’s training and judgment. The RTIC is a support resource. Real-time computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and radio monitoring provide information to officers and first responders, but decisions in the field are made by responding personnel based on the totality of the circumstances. That information does not replace an officer's assessment of the call, but it means they are not walking into a situation without context. 

The Garner RTIC is built on explicit policies that the use of all systems within to clearly defined purposes such as active 911 calls, criminal investigations and public safety threats. These written limits are the first layer of guardrails as they define what is allowed and makes flagging misuse obvious, ensuring strict oversight and accountability for any user.

With access tied to job function and authentication, not every officer will have the ability to access or use the systems within. The RTIC will be the source and user of the tools, which adds a safeguard against casual or potentially abusive use.

Public safety technology systems require enhanced cybersecurity protections and a higher level of security attention due to the operational and legal risks associated with sensitive data involved. The Garner Police Department works in close partnership with the Town's IT Department to ensure public safety infrastructure is treated as a distinct and ongoing priority.

Ensuring that everything runs through the RTIC and monthly audits to ensure compliance with policy and the law, we create an ecosystem of oversight through internal audit practices and reviews through to the chief of police, creating a defensible, auditable history that is subject for scrutiny by leadership or outside auditors when necessary. 

No. A successful RTIC requires strong community understanding and public trust. The RTIC technologies are intended to deter criminal activity, improve emergency response and support public safety.

The Garner Police Department's automated license plate reader (ALPR) and Pan Tile Zoom (PTZ) cameras do not use facial recognition technology and cannot recognize, identify or track individuals. Any searches are based on vehicle characteristics and not identity. The public safety technology in the RTIC is not used to monitor lawful citizen activities, nor does it track citizens as they go about their lives.

We are not asking the community to simply trust us. Privacy and maintaining the civil liberties of the community are a fundamental part of RTIC operations. Before accessing the system, officers must complete formal instruction on access and proper use of the system before they are issued login credentials. There are no exceptions. All searches of data require an incident number related to the case and a reason for the search, creating a mandatory paper trail for every query. 

Use of the ALPR system shall be documented and reported to the crime analyst for tracking purposes. This applies regardless of whether the use led to an arrest or other enforcement action. 

Access to information is restricted to authorized personnel with a legitimate public safety purpose.  All information is handled in accordance with applicable laws, department policies and established privacy standards. Monthly audits are also done to ensure these safeguards are adhered to. 

Only authorized personnel with approved job responsibilities and a legitimate law enforcement or public safety purpose may access RTIC systems. Access permissions are based on roles, and system activity is monitored for accountability.  

The RTIC may use a range of public safety technologies, including public safety cameras, automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), mapping tools and other approved information systems. These technologies support situational awareness and investigative support.

Police departments regularly share investigative information among them as allowed by law. The department limits and controls what, if anything, is shared with partner agencies on the automated license plate reader platform. When sharing occurs, partner agencies are able to determine only whether a particular vehicle appears on one of Garner’s cameras; they do not gain access to Garner’s broader data. The department will seek town manager approval before granting any federal agencies access to data. 

The Garner Police Department recognizes that maintaining public trust is essential to the success of any public safety technology initiative. We recognize that technology use must be balanced against the civil rights, ethical concerns and privacy expectations of the community we serve. The RTIC may use a range of public safety technologies, including public safety cameras, automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), mapping tools, digital evidence processing platforms and other approved information systems. These technologies support situational awareness and provide investigative support. 

No. The value of the RTIC extends beyond criminal investigations to real-time operational and community safety benefits like real-time information such as traffic flow, pedestrian activity, vehicle movement and area congestion. The RTIC further supports other Town departments such as Fire and Public Works by helping with identifying hazards, monitoring developing incidents and coordinate information during emergencies. This enables responders to make better-informed decisions and reduce response times whenever possible. When large events or critical incidents occur, the RTIC shifts into an elevated operational posture, allowing for faster coordination between Police, Fire, EMS and/or Public Works with real-time information that improves outcomes for officers and the public. 

The RTIC would support special events and emergencies by providing: 

Examples include: 

The RTIC provides investigators with critical context, developing and supporting evidence throughout an investigation, ruling out suspects and supporting investigative decision making. From an investigative and public safety perspective, it has become an essential resource that helps detectives build stronger, more accurate cases and improve officer and community safety. Some of the ways RTIC can assist with investigations are: 

The RTIC helps investigators by quickly reviewing and aggregating available information to help investigators identify potential leads, locate vehicles linked to crimes, organize digital evidence and prepare information to support criminal investigations. This can reduce investigative time and improve efficiency.