Smart glasses that allow the wearer to read criminal records and translate dozens of languages in real time, first responder drones and robotic “dogs” are part of the future of law enforcement in Sarasota.
With that technology integrated into an emerging operations center that allows officers in the field and technicians on computers to collaborate to solve crimes in real time, the future is now.
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche explained to members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce how the SPD is implementing its new and still developing Real-Time Operations Center, which provides live safety and investigative support to officers in the field, and how future technology acquisitions will enhance the department’s crime-fighting capabilities.
“This is the ROC,” Troche said during the chamber’s Sept. 23 State of the Community luncheon, where he appeared alongside Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman.
While just a few months ago the Real-Time Operations Center, located in a former community room at SPD headquarters, was “MacGyvered” with computers and multiple monitors on four workstations arranged in a circle, the now mostly complete build out includes new rows of desks facing a video wall where technicians can monitor much of the city via intersection cameras, license plate readers, gunshot monitors and even private security cameras when provided permission.
The ROC currently staffs four technicians and operates five days a week. Troche wants to add personnel and increase the ROC operations to seven days a week.
“Now our Real-Time Operations Center looks like something out of NORAD,” Troche said of the contrast to its humble beginnings. “It looks like a Jason Bourne movie, and we’re only limited at this point by our imagination.”