New real-time crime center will help Chandler police be more effective in the field

PHOENIX — The Chandler Police Department held a grand opening ceremony for its new real-time crime center on Wednesday morning.

The new center will use technology to inform field officers about a scene they’re about to enter, according to Chandler Police Chief Bryan Chapman.

“I think this will fundamentally change the way that we police in Chandler,” Chapman told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Wednesday.

The technology-based hub will help officers and emergency responders more effectively respond to emergencies, he added.

“If you’re calling 911 on your worst day, we can get there in two minutes, rather than four minutes,” Chapman said.

What’s special about new real-time crime center in Chandler?

Chandler police started using the real-time crime center in July on a limited basis.

Initially, police were working on the hub four days a week, Chapman said.

“When we talk about technology, there’s a lot of different systems out there that all have to comport and talk to each other,” he said.

It took several weeks to ensure personnel understood how to best harness the new technology.

“We feel like we’re in a really good position now where we’re going to be able to expand that service five days a week,” Chapman said.

Ultimately, Chandler police hope to expand the real-time crime center’s services to six days a week and 18 hours a day.

“But, you know, we have to level up over the next several months,” Chapman said.

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