The Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) is a centralized hub that integrates technologies, such as body-worn cameras, Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), and drones, into a single, coordinated interface. 

By utilizing these components through the Fusus platform, the RTIC provides actionable intelligence to support officers during active calls, investigations, and open cases (e.g., missing persons, stolen vehicles). This streamlined approach enables faster, more informed decision-making during daily operations and localized emergencies, ensuring that resources are maximized and efforts are strategically aligned across the city.

This streamlined approach improves situational awareness, enhances interdepartmental coordination during emergencies, and ensures more informed decision-making, ultimately increasing safety for both officers and the community.

No, the RTIC does not utilize facial recognition technology.

No. A center or technology cannot ever replace a police officer’s training and judgment. The RTIC is a support resource. Real-time computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and radio monitoring provide information to officers and first responders, but decisions in the field are made by responding personnel based on the totality of the circumstances. That information does not replace an officer's assessment of the call, but it means they are not walking into a situation without context. 

No, the RTIC is not used for passive surveillance of civilian activity. Integration with private security cameras is entirely voluntary and requires explicit permission from business owners or residents. Voluntary registration of privately owned cameras enhances emergency preparedness by enabling public safety professionals to better assess and rapidly respond to criminal activity and emergency situations, as well as allowing investigators to easily gather evidence in case of an incident.

Camera registration takes less than one minute via our secure online portal. Registering your cameras does not allow the Asheville Police Department access to your live video stream - it only enables investigators to know a camera is present at your location and easily request video evidence should an incident occur.
To register your security cameras, you can do so at Connect Asheville. An investigator from the Asheville Police Department will contact you via email if they need your assistance solving a crime near you.

To address public privacy concerns directly, the Asheville Police Department has established a multi-layered governance framework that restricts system access, mandates justification for every query, and enforces strict routine oversight. APD ensures strict policy compliance through comprehensive quarterly audits of all system and network activity, backed by a zero-tolerance policy that treats any misuse as a major administrative violation subject to immediate access revocation and disciplinary action.

The RTIC benefits community members by ensuring faster, more informed emergency responses. It also helps in providing officers better information before they arrive, while they are on scene, and as situations develop around them. 

APD began putting the infrastructure in place for a body-worn camera program in 2015, including developing the policy and securing funding to equip 180 officers over three years. By the end of 2016, all officers were outfitted with body-worn cameras. 

Body-worn cameras provide an additional layer of transparency and accountability. They can help clarify what occurred during an interaction, preserve evidence that may otherwise be unavailable, and provide investigators, prosecutors, courts, and others with valuable information when reviewing an incident.

In accordance with North Carolina state law (G.S. 132-1.4A), law enforcement recordings are not public records. To request the release of BWC footage, individuals must file a petition with the Superior Court in the county where the recording was made.

Yes, individuals who are recorded, or their personal representatives, may request to "disclose" (view) the footage without a court order. APD will review the request based on several legal factors, such as whether disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or the safety of individuals depicted.

The Asheville Police Department (APD) currently utilizes mobile (in-car) Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems by Axon, which are upfitted in APD fleet vehicles.

You can view public data and transparency metrics for APD's  ALPR systems through the following public-facing dashboard:

• Axon ALPR Public Dashboard

The Asheville Police Department (APD) has been using Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology since April 2024. APD currently uses only Axon Mobile ALPR systems, which are in-car camera systems that provide real-time alerts to patrol officers in the field.

No, APD’s ALPR cameras capture a single, point-in-time photograph of a vehicle's exterior (license plate and rear vehicle features) as it passes on a public roadway. They do not stream live video or track individual routines.

ALPR technology captures vehicle attributes only (plate, make, model, color). It does not capture, retain, or analyze human faces, occupant identities, or facial features.

Data is not shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Data ownership belongs 100% to APD. External sharing occurs exclusively with vetted law enforcement agencies under strict, reciprocal agreements that APD can revoke at any time.

No, all unmatched data automatically purges after 30 days. Data is only retained beyond 30 days if manually exported as active evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation.

No, random or exploratory browsing is strictly prohibited. APD enforces 100% search accountability—every search requires a documented criminal case or incident number.

No. The City of Asheville has terminated its contract with Flock Safety, and APD no longer has an active contract or access to the Flock Safety ALPR system.

Pursuant to the resolution passed by the City Council on August 25, 2026, the City terminated the Flock Safety contract. Following termination, APD deactivated all user accounts and access to the Flock system.

Flock Safety confirmed on September 28, 2026, the City of Asheville’s requested product removal date of October 12, 2026, and provided a timeline that physical retrieval of Flock equipment is expected to occur within 60 days beginning October 12, 2026, due to technician scheduling backlogs.

he Asheville Police Department and Asheville Fire Department established their respective drone programs in 2022 to enhance public safety capabilities.

Drones are utilized to protect lives and property when other resources are unavailable or less effective. This technology provides airborne support, reduces response times, assists with resource allocation, and improves operational efficiency and transparency during public safety responses.

APD utilizes drones to provide airborne support for active investigations and emergency situations, such as searching for missing persons, assessing scenes for officer safety, and managing complex incidents where aerial perspective is critical to operational success.

AFD utilizes drones to improve situational awareness during fire and rescue operations. This includes assessing fire spread, identifying hazards, assisting in search and rescue efforts, and evaluating incident scenes to keep fire personnel safe while optimizing resource allocation.

No. Drones are not used for continuous, routine, or random surveillance of the general public. Deployment is strictly mission-specific and authorized only for defined operational needs, such as a specific emergency call or active investigation.

Privacy is a priority. Operations are conducted in accordance with FAA regulations and department policy. Drones are not equipped for nor used for facial recognition or monitoring private residences. Data captured is relevant only to the specific mission authorized and is managed under strict data retention policies.

Drone operations are conducted by certified personnel who are trained and licensed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. All flights are logged and reviewed to ensure adherence to established policies.