Groundbreaking Effort Helps Law Enforcement
A partnership among the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and municipalities in the county is enabling faster, more accurate and resource-efficient law enforcement responses.
The Hamilton County Real Time Information Center (RTIC), fully operational since November 2024, is a groundbreaking, multi-agency collaboration that is delivering substantial benefits to public safety and emergency response operations.
Its operations enhance data and intelligence sharing and ensure timely decision-making across jurisdictional boundaries, Chief Deputy John Lowes said: “This program is a significant advancement in public safety and a clear win for every resident of Hamilton County—helping to maintain a safe, secure environment in which to live, work, and raise a family.”
The RTIC represents a unified effort among the Carmel Police Department, the Noblesville Police Department, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Fishers Police Department and Westfield Police Department are committed to this collaboration and intend to add resources in the future as appropriate. Despite being staffed by three agencies, RTIC responds throughout Hamilton County, regardless of jurisdiction. This innovative center supports both criminal and non-criminal types of calls for service, acting as a true force multiplier. Since its inception, RTIC has significantly enhanced response times, improved information accuracy, and reduced operational costs while simultaneously improving officer safety and public service delivery.
Through the integration of advanced technology and real-time analysis, RTIC personnel also monitor incoming 911 calls, retrieve prior call history, examine location-specific data, research subject qualifiers, and assist responding agencies with critical, up-to-the-minute REAL-TIME intelligence. This capability enhances situational awareness and equips officers with the most accurate and relevant information before they arrive on-scene.
Additionally, a key feature of the RTIC is the implementation of Drones as First Responders. These aerial assets are deployed to various calls for service, including traffic accidents, critical incidents, and active crime scenes. Drones provide live overwatch, aid in suspect apprehension, assist in foot pursuits, and offer real-time situational assessment, further enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement personnel on the ground.
Lieutenant Brian Niec, Director of the Real Time Information Center, commented, “This is the future of law enforcement in the United States. What makes the Hamilton County RTIC truly unique is that all participating agencies operate under the same Computer-Aided Dispatch system, reporting protocols, Dispatch Center, and Records Management System. These shared resources allow for seamless coordination and establish RTIC as a true countywide task force.”