Police open $20 million Real Time Crime Center

The Royal Bahamas Police Force opened its Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) yesterday, a $20 million facility housing the technological arm of the force.

On the grounds of police headquarters, the building will serve as a hub for closed-circuit television (CCTV), Marco’s Alert, body and dash cameras, the police control room, COVID-19 emergency lines, aerial technology and ShotSpotter technology.

Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said the center pulls from the vast pool of technological resources to create safer communities.

“The Real Time Crime Center streamlines these components into a centralized monitoring base that functions as the brain behind these electronic eyes on the streets,” Rolle said.

“The RTCC makes live and recorded 

information available for easy access to assist with police investigations. This vital department within the force is pertinent to its progression.”

According to Rolle, the force deployed 158 body and dash cameras in 2020 and has since recorded over 5,341 hours of footage, which assisted with complaints and corruption reports, as well as two homicide investigations.

Rolle also gave an update on the Marco’s Alert system, which he said will see billboards placed across the island shortly.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames recently approved the financing and acquisition of software for the dissemination of information which would be used for Marco’s Alert.

“There are some out there who continue to say that it is a waste of money, that our government would have wasted significant amount of funds on ShotSpotter,” Dames said.

“Last year, the Royal Bahamas Police Force recorded 1,052 gunshots. Out of that number, 463 or 44 percent was detected by ShotSpotter. As a result of that, any number of persons were arrested or a crime prevented. This is what smart technology does.”

He added, “To date, we would have had some 452 requests for CCTV footage. So, these technologies are paying tremendous dividends. The same will apply across the board, not only to the police force, but also to the defense force.”

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis used the opportunity to thank police officers for their work and dedication throughout the pandemic, enforcing restrictions put in place.

“As I stand here, I must say that God knows for what you do, you are underpaid,” Minnis told officers in attendance.

“At this point in time, God also knows that we cannot pay you what you deserve. But the Lord also knows that as I stand here, as soon as time permits, be assured that you will be compensated.”

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