Real Time Information Center
Real Time Information Center
Sgt. Bill Thompson
wthompson@knoxvilletn.gov
The Knoxville Police Department is developing a Real Time Information Center (RTIC) to enhance the department’s investigative resources and public safety tools.
Once developed, the RTIC will complement 911 dispatch to provide critical, time-sensitive updates to officers in the field as they respond to incidents.
In addition to assisting officers responding to calls for service, the RTIC will also serve as a powerful investigative tool, helping detectives generate leads and close cases after crimes occur.
The RTIC will also provide vital infrastructure and resources to support KPD and other public safety partners during natural disasters, large-scale emergencies and other critical events. While in development, the RTIC space has already been used as an operation center during special events and other emergency situations.
When deployed, RTIC cameras will be overt in nature with the intentions of serving as a crime deterrent in the areas they are installed.
Businesses and individuals will soon have the ability to voluntarily register or integrate security cameras to support the RTIC’s mission and strengthen the safety of the Knoxville community.
The RTIC is tentatively expected to be fully operational in early 2026.
KPD's RTIC Camera Locations
KPD is beginning the process of installing RTIC owned and managed cameras at the following locations. KPD does not yet have access to the video feeds from these camera locations. Camera locations were chosen based on three years of police calls for service and in consideration of available infrastructure.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at Chestnut Street
- Daylily Drive at Joe Lewis Road
- Oldham Avenue at Reed Street
- Broadway at Depot Avenue
- Broadway at 5th Avenue
- Merchant Drive at Merchant Center Boulevard
- Chapman Highway at Moody Avenue
- Broadway at McCroskey Avenue
- Western Avenue at University Avenue
- Texas Avenue at Sherman Street
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the RTIC work?
When a call for service comes in through 911, RTIC staff check to see if a camera is located near the incident. If a camera is available, staff monitor the footage in real time and relay what they see directly to responding officers. This may include suspect or victim descriptions, vehicle details or important information about the scene or surrounding area. When the officer has finished responding to the call, the staff move on to the next call.
Is the RTIC used for surveillance?
Once operational, the RTIC will be used in response to a 911 call for service, as a tool for detectives conducting a criminal investigation, and as a resource to assist public safety efforts during special events and large-scale emergencies.
How does the RTIC protect privacy?
The KPD has robust policies that prioritize the responsible and ethical use of technology. KPD’s RTIC policy is currently in development and will be finalized before the RTIC is fully operational. Once finalized, the policy will be posted here.
What other cities have Real Time Information Centers or similar tools?
The Chattanooga Police Department has had a Real Time Information Center in operation since 2017. The Memphis Police Department also has a Real Time Crime Center. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has a Community Safety City that functions similarly to the Real Time Information Center model.
What is Fusus?
Fusus is a camera integration platform that allows the monitoring of video feeds from multiple sources simultaneously. Individuals and businesses can voluntarily register their camera or share video feeds with KPD through the platform.
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Knoxville, TN 37917
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