The Aurora Police Department recently went full throttle with the launch of its Real Time Information Center, marking a significant shift in how it approaches law enforcement and criminal investigations. Housed within the department headquarters, this new facility integrates a wealth of technologies into one central hub, aiming to promptly assist officers in the field. As reported by the Aurora Police Department, the Real Time Information Center includes city-owned cameras, Flock Safety license plate readers, and leverages Axon’s FUSUS platform to enhance police capabilities.
With the intention to greatly improve both community and officer safety, the center deploys video technology to swiftly acquire information, communicate intelligence, and aid real-time decisions during incidents. One of the recent additions to their technological suite was the Drones as First Responders program, which has now been fully integrated, "bringing all the capabilities of our Real Time Information Center to fruition," Deputy Chief Phil Rathbun told the Aurora Police Department. The official site details how six drones are now contracted to cover the city, providing quick aerial support during emergencies, which is intended to assist with suspect apprehension and evidence collection.
Since its inception in March, the impact of the Real Time Information Center appears significant. Comparing arrest records, the Aurora Police Department has seen an increase from 3,820 arrests between March 1 and October 31 of 2024, to 5,682 during the same period in 2025, a stark 48.7 percent increase. Incidents classified as Part 1 crimes in Aurora have also reportedly dropped by 24 percent, which translates to 3,328 fewer victims this year compared to last, according to the official announcement. These numbers underline a shift in the police department's effectiveness post-implementation of the Real Time Information Center.
