Gastonia Police Department launches Real Time Crime Center

GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Gastonia Police Department unveiled its new Real Time Crime Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen public safety and support officers in the field with real-time intelligence and technology.

The RTCC was made possible through $963,000 in funding from a federal COPS Grant, along with $220,000 from ARPA funds and $100,000 from the City of Gastonia’s General Fund.

The annual cost to staff and operate the center is projected at $641,000 per year. The RTCC will begin with 8 full-time staff members, with the capacity to expand to 12 as operations grow.

The center is part of a nationwide network that connects more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies and 6,000 community and business camera partnerships, including major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ulta Beauty, and Target.

Locally, Gastonia’s RTCC includes:

• 21 Flock License Plate Readers
• 22 Flock Live Cameras
• 144 downtown surveillance cameras
• Plans to acquire the city’s first drone as a first responder in January 2026, equipped with license plate recognition and live video capabilities.