Cobb County Real Time Crime Center
By Michelle Cardenas
Real-time crime centers are revolutionizing the way police departments address criminal activity in their community. With innovative technologies and procedures, these centers are becoming widespread across the country. One of the first areas in the United States to have adopted a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) in their community is Cobb County in Marietta, Georgia. We were very privileged to have Captain Hull organize this tour of their facility and further enlighten the group on the future of policing.
Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by Lieutenant Thorp and Major Bell, who help lead Cobb County’s RTCC in Cobb County’s Police Department. Before entering the room itself, the two took the time to explain to us the importance of centers such as these in regard to protecting their community with speed and efficiency. One way the real-time crime center has revolutionized modern policing, unique to other counties, is through their surveillance technology, which was at work just around the corner.
The dimly-lit crime center was illuminated by 10 screens; displaying a map of the city with pin points of police officer locations, LPRs (License Plate Readers), live video camera footage, and crime alerts. Led by Captain Darin Hull, we viewed a PowerPoint presentation that helped us better understand the functions of their facility. To provide the typical structure of their operations, the presentation provided two examples of their crime center in action, which both lead in the apprehension of the suspects.
The two examples, one involving a home invasion and the other theft, showcased the enhanced police response to crimes, made possible by the RTCC. With live recording and reporting, the police have stronger capabilities to swiftly arrest and convict criminals.
The officers emphasized the various concerns during the early stages of modern policing, including the general public’s fear of privacy invasion. Understanding the citizens’ apprehension, the analysts at the Real Time Crime Center have taken proactive measures to acknowledge the importance of establishing trust within their community; offering informative sessions for those seeking to learn more about the center’s operations and benefits, as well as providing discounts for businesses on purchases of a Fusus Core to integrate their cameras with the RTCC database to provide live transmissions for the officers.
One of the most interesting things about the Real Time Crime Center was their staff. It takes true dedication to use all the technology provided to capture suspects and get them away from the public. Deputy Chief Stuart Vanhoozer mentioned in one of the videos that technology means nothing if the staff does not demonstrate resilience and determination to stop crime. It was pretty evident that the staff there was more than capable, and they demonstrated extreme kindness towards us and welcomed all of our questions with pleasure.
As a Criminal Justice major, it is very important to see another of various career paths one may take in the field. I personally enjoyed experiencing a different aspect of law enforcement outside of the classroom, that itself is emerging in real time.
Thank you again to Captain Darin Hull, Lieutenant David Thorp, Major Stan Bell, and the staff of Cobb County’s Real Time Crime Center for taking the time to educate us on the amazing work your division is doing for modern policing practices.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 