Irvine's New High-Tech Crime Center

Irvine's police department has recently opened a new "Real-Time Crime Center" (RTCC) that's giving officers a big boost in fighting crime. This new tech hub lets them access over 1, 000 live cameras around the city. That includes cameras at intersections, schools, and even a system that reads license plates. Two specialists work at the RTCC -- a crime analyst and a drone operator. They team up with the dispatch center to speed up response times. As officers head out to calls, the RTCC team can provide crucial info like license plate numbers, possible suspects, and even criminal histories. This helps cops quickly locate and capture criminals. Since last October, the RTCC has already made a difference. It helped find an elderly person, located a suicidal teen, and even stopped a car involved in previous thefts at the Irvine Spectrum. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris helped secure $2 million in state funding for the center. She stressed the importance of using cutting-edge tech while protecting privacy. The RTCC is set to expand in 2025, adding more staff and new technology. It's a great example of how tech can help fight crime, but also raises questions about privacy and the use of new tools in policing.