FY 27 Budget Q&A #069: What is the status of APD's planning for a real time crime center, and are there initial cost estimates available?
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Question: What is the status of APD's planning for a real time crime center, and are there initial cost estimates available? (Councilman Chapman)
Response:
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is in the initial project development phase for several technology initiatives (including a real-time crime center) that will enable the APD to provide effective, transparent, and community-centered public safety in the 21st century. APD is developing a full project plan for its technology initiatives, including recommendations on community engagement and success metrics. APD will provide project updates to staff later this calendar year.
A real-time crime center at APD Headquarters could serve as a centralized hub for integrating data, technology systems, and real-time analysis to support crime response, investigations, and special event management. A project of this size would likely be implemented in phases and would require both initial, one-time infrastructure/technology expenses, and annual recurring technology, training and personnel costs. Initial cost estimates are in the range of $500,000 to $1 million annually. This estimate requires refinement and coordination with multiple project partners.
