Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)
Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)
RTCC FAQs
- Is there any cost associated with integrating with the RTCC?
No there is no monthly service fees, or any fees associated with the service. The only cost that may be associated with the integration could be the FUSUS core box. This will be discussed before integration. The prices of the FUSUS core boxes vary based on how many cameras are integrated. The City of Shreveport is providing some core boxes free of charge.
- What access does the RTCC have once integrated?
The RTCC only has access to the camera feeds the establishment allows the RTCC to have, all other camera feeds will be blocked from viewing.
- Where is the data stored?
All footage is stored at the location of the establishment, the only time the RTCC stores data is if footage is recorded by the RTCC. Once recorded that footage is stored in a CJUS compliant vault and is maintained as evidence until released to the proper agency.
- What if after being integrated I no longer wish to participate?
At any point in time the establishment no longer wishes to participate they simply unplug the FUSUS core box at that point the link for the RTCC to view the camera feeds is no longer available for the RTCC.
- What does the RTCC look for when monitoring cameras?
The RTCC responds to calls for service on which our assistance is requested, or high priority calls for service. During times that no such calls for service are required, the RTCC monitors camera feeds to search for possible criminal activity.
- What is a Real Time Crime Center?
An RTCC is staffed 24/7 by analysts whose primary mission is to reduce the number of man-hours required for detectives to find and use video evidence. Also, in priority 1 or life-threatening events, analysts will use cameras to find more information while a patrol officer is in route or on scene.
- What is the RTCC Registry? Can you watch my doorbell camera from the RTCC?
Citizens often ask, “How can I help?” when it comes to public safety. One of the primary ways residents of Shreveport can help is by sharing relevant video clips from their street facing cameras, like a Ring doorbell.
The registry tool is a way to tell the RTCC and SPD that you have a street-facing camera, and how you can be contacted (e-mail, phone). If any crime happens in your neighborhood, the registry allows the RTCC to request footage in a few clicks.
The RTCC cannot view registry cameras, and can only receive video when a citizen decides to upload it.
You will receive a text and email with a secure link to upload clips requested should you wish to participate.
- Where do I sign up for the registry?
- What is the RTCC Business Integration?
Businesses with street facing cameras may sign up with the RTCC Registry application just like any other citizen, but businesses can also purchase a $200 device (one-time cost) or $600 device (depending on how many cameras they wish to share) to allow the RTCC the ability to retrieve clips and review footage.
Any business who integrates directly in this way can provide parameters for how long video is stored, and should they ever wish to remove the integration, they can simply unplug the device.
- Why is the RTCC located on the 2nd floor of Government Plaza and in the IT department?
This is due to a variety of reasons. The data center that houses all of the technology that runs government services is a 24/7 facility, with all of the battery and generator backup required for power, and two fiber internet connections, allowing the RTCC to stay up and running 24/7.
A RTCC is heavily dependent on technology, and locating it near all of the experts within the IT department allows technology issues and integrations to be resolved quickly and cost effectively.
Furthermore, the RTCC division is an unclassified division, with policies and procedures that match an evidence room. This both allows the IT department to deal with personnel problems quickly and hire more quickly than typical Civil Service or HR processes allow.
Finally, the primary mission of the RTCC is to support public safety, but video evidence and surveillance is used across many departments and is useful in many more situations – from natural disasters to weather events like our recent deep freeze, and more.
- How does communication from the RTCC work if the RTCC is not within SPD?
During emergency situations, if cameras are found near the event, the RTCC will search the video for anything that can help protect our officers or give them greater insight. During an event, the RTCC Analysts have a radio channel dedicated to conveying information to Caddo 911 Dispatchers, who will then disseminate the information (this allows for 911 dispatchers to continue being the source of information during an event).
For events in the past, detectives will request the aid of the RTCC, and analysts will provide any footage directly to the detective through a secure evidence vault.
- Why do you want citizens to register their cameras? Doesn’t the RTCC already have cameras being installed on poles?
While the City of Shreveport is installing camera systems on poles, having video evidence within neighborhoods or from participating businesses will help the RTCC have many more cameras available for evidence with the participation of businesses and citizens.
It would be impossible to purchase, build, and install camera systems that could cover the same areas that citizens are able to by participating with the Real Time Crime Center.