Real Time Crime Center Set To Open In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Real Time Crime Center at Birmingham Police headquarters is set to open next week, as a ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled at the facility for Oct. 19.

The Real Time Crime Center is expected to be able to process almost immediate video or photos of crime suspects and their vehicles and license plates instead of just a verbal description, and could integrate video from body cameras worn by police officers with high-speed, computer-controlled camera systems that are typically mounted on utility poles, streetlights, highway overpasses, mobile trailers, or attached to squad cars.

The command center is housed on the fourth floor of Birmingham Police Headquarters and will resemble the Jefferson Metro Area Crime Center with a wall-sized bank of video screens, computers and other technology.

The center was expected to be operational this summer, but the opening was pushed to fall.

Birmingham officials have said they want the Real Time Crime Center to help increase public safety as the city prepares for major events including the 2022 World Games.