The Reno Police Department (RPD) and Sparks Police Department (SPD) are proud to announce the launch of northern Nevada’s first Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), a cutting-edge initiative designed to enhance public safety through real-time data analysis and inter-agency collaboration.
The Reno-Sparks RTIC is a centralized hub that gathers, analyzes, and shares critical information in real time, empowering law enforcement, emergency services, and other public safety partners to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to incidents. By leveraging advanced technology, including live video feeds, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) video, crime mapping, and social media analytics, the RTIC offers a comprehensive picture of unfolding events to ensure safer outcomes for all.
Benefits of the RTIC
The Reno-Sparks RTIC provides numerous benefits to public safety agencies and first responders. For law enforcement, it enhances public safety by delivering real-time situational awareness, enabling faster response times, and using predictive analytics to proactively deter crime. By facilitating seamless inter-agency coordination and promoting data-driven decision-making, the RTIC builds transparency and trust with the community.
Other first responders, including fire services and emergency management teams, benefit from real-time updates during emergencies such as natural disasters or hazardous material spills. The RTIC improves resource allocation, aids in school safety initiatives, and supports crisis response teams with vital information to de-escalate situations or locate missing persons. It also enhances crowd management during large events, ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions.
RTIC Soft Launch
The RTIC had its successful soft launch during the 2024 Santa Crawl. One key success during the event was the Reno Police Department’s use of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) program, which allowed officers to be deployed quickly and precisely to areas with increased crowd activity. This improved situational awareness and resource allocation.
Another highlight was integrating the FUSUS platform – a real-time crime center technology that consolidates live video and data feeds from public and private cameras, body-worn cameras, sUAS, and sensors into one unified interface. This enabled officers to proactively address emerging situations, often preventing incidents before traditional calls for service were made. For example, the RTIC facilitated the rapid resolution of a critical incident involving a vehicle attempting to strike pedestrians. Real-time video surveillance and coordination enabled swift officer deployment, mitigating chaos and ensuring public safety.
How the Community Can Help
The RTIC’s success relies on strong community engagement. Residents can contribute by:
- Reporting Suspicious Activity: Timely reporting can prevent incidents and save lives.
- Participating in Safety Programs: Registering security cameras and joining neighborhood watch programs boosts community safety. Visit Connect Reno to register your home or business security cameras with the FUSUS platform, to help identify area cameras in case of an incident.
- Staying Informed: Follow official social media channels for real-time updates and emergency alerts.
Working Together for a Safer Community
"The RTIC represents a major step forward in public safety for our region," said Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance. "By combining cutting-edge technology with community partnership, we are creating a safer future for all."
“This is an incredible collaboration between the cities of Reno and Sparks,” said Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth. “The RTIC will improve response times and efficiencies not only for our first responders but also for all of our government services. We are using the advances in technology in an ethical and practical manner to greatly benefit our communities.”
Supporting the RTIC
The Cities of Reno and Sparks would like to thank Home Depot and Costco for supporting law enforcement by donating materials and monitors to help launch the RTIC. Additional equipment was purchased by the two agencies through their general funds.
Community members interested in supporting the RTIC’s mission can contribute to the community fund dedicated to enhancing real-time infrastructure. For more information and ways to help, please contact Reno Police Captain Daniel Bond at BondD@reno.gov or Sparks Deputy Chief Tara Edmonson at TEdmonson@cityofsparks.us.
