(Nov. 19, 2025) – The Aurora Police Department on Wednesday announced the full launch of its Real Time Information Center, a state-of-the-art facility at headquarters that is revolutionizing how officers respond to calls for service, solve crimes and reduce victimization to better serve the Aurora community.
The Real Time Information Center brings together new and existing technology into a centralized location, including the city-owned cameras and Flock Safety license plate readers that are integrated through Axon’s FUSUS platform. Earlier this week, Aurora police added the last piece of the project, launching its Drones as First Responders program.
“Adding the Flock Drones as First Responders program is the final piece bringing all the capabilities of our Real Time Information Center to fruition,” said Phil Rathbun, deputy chief of the Aurora Police Department Professional Standards and Training Division. “This addition expands our real-time capabilities ensuring every response is as safe and effective as possible.”
The Real Time Information Center enhances both community and officer safety by leveraging video technology to gather information and share intelligence as an event is occurring. Since it first began operations in March, officers and professional staff assigned to the Real Time Information Center have provided critical support to those in the field, serving as overwatch to keep officers safe, assisting with suspect location and apprehension, and gathering real-time evidence to help detectives solve crimes faster and more effectively.
Between March 1 and October 31, 2024, the Aurora Police Department made 3,820 arrests. During that same period this year – following the activation of the Real Time Information Center – officers made 5,682 arrests, an increase of 48.7 percent. As of Nov. 16, Part 1 crimes overall are down 24 percent in the city of Aurora, equating to 3,328 less victims this year than at the same time last year.
“From recovering stolen vehicles to locating missing children to apprehending homicide suspects and drivers involved in fatal hit-and-run crashes, this technology has proven itself time and again as an effective, efficient and innovative public safety tool,” Rathbun said. “Arrests are up, while at the same time incidents of crime and victimization are down.
“Behind the statistics are real people and seeking justice for those who have been victimized is paramount to the mission of the Aurora Police Department. There is no doubt our ability to capitalize on technology through the Real Time Information Center has made a significant and positive impact on community safety in the city of Aurora.”
Click here to learn more about the Aurora Police Department Real Time Information Center.
About Drones as First Responders
Drones as First Responders programs use remotely operated drones to respond to 911 calls and emergency incidents before officers, fire or medical responders arrive at a scene. They give first responders real-time situational awareness within seconds, improving safety, decision-making and outcomes.
The Aurora Police Department has contracted six drones to provide coverage for the entire city. In many instances, a drone’s deployment is automated to assist with active criminal activity in real time for the purposes of guiding officer response, suspect apprehension and collection of evidence.
About Axon FUSUS
Axon FUSUS is a real-time operations and intelligence platform designed to power real time crime centers. It integrates data and video from many sources, including public and private fixed camera systems, drones, body-worn cameras, license plate readers and other community safety technologies.
Through an initiative known as Community Connect, Aurora residents, businesses and community organizations can choose to share their camera feeds with the Aurora Police Department, which are integrated with the Real Time Information Center for more effective response to in-progress crimes.
For more information about the Connect Aurora program through Axon, visit CommunityConnectAurora.org.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095