How do you build a Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) from the ground up, while launching DFR and proving ROI to chiefs, council, and community?

Jamie Hudson, Director of Real-Time & DFR Consulting, and Caity Peak, Collaborative Policing Strategist, host a candid conversation with:
• Andrea Cortez, RTIC Manager, Elk Grove PD
• Nikki Bell, RTIC Manager, Vacaville PD

They unpack: hiring for drive and a "stick-to-it-iveness" attitude, balancing assertiveness with relationships, working in the “gray” before policies exist, documenting impact, and practical ways to measure value—beyond simple clearance counts.

You’ll learn
– What traits predict success in RTIC roles (and why backgrounds can vary widely)
– How to operate without a perfect SOP and when to finally write one
– Smart, simple metrics that demonstrate impact (CAD/RMS labels, ticketing, case time-to-resolution)
– How to partner with chiefs and command to keep momentum
– Career advice for anyone considering RTIC/RTCC work

If you’re launching or leveling up an RTIC/RTCC or DFR program, this episode is a blueprint.

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Rahul Sidhu, VP of Aviation at Flock, joins hosts Jamie Hudson and Dalton Webb for a special episode of the Flock Safety podcast to talk all things Drone as First Responder (DFR)—from building Aerodome to joining Flock.

As a former full-time police officer and current reserve officer, Rahul brings his deep public safety experience into tech to help shape the future of DFR and other drone deployments for public safety.

In this episode, he shares:
• The origin story behind Aerodome and how it merged with Flock
• Why video games like Overwatch inspired the drone UX
• How flying at 400 ft isn’t just better—it’s a physics advantage
• The reality behind the DFR 1.0 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 evolution
• Why autonomous, multi-drone operations are the future of policing
• Cost-saving strategies and real ROI for agencies
• What agencies need to commit to if they want to launch a successful drone program

This is a deep dive into innovation, logistics, and leadership in public safety tech, and it’s one of the most insightful episodes yet. Don’t miss it!

📌 Subscribe for more on public safety, tech innovation, and how communities thrive.

Join us in Vacaville, California, as Jamie Hudson and Caity Peak sit down with Police Chief Chris Polen to explore the city’s journey toward smarter, safer public service.

From humble beginnings to the launch of a cutting-edge Information Center and Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, this conversation captures how innovation, community values, and collaboration with Flock Safety are redefining local policing.

You’ll hear about:
– The origins of Vacaville’s Real Time policing initiative
– Lessons learned from Elk Grove’s pioneering model
– The challenges of managing grant funding responsibly
– How staffing decisions, smart technology, and community buy-in shape success
– A visionary leader’s hope for regional collaboration

👉 Whether you’re in law enforcement, civic leadership, or just curious about the future of community safety, this is a must-watch.

Subscribe to catch more real-world stories of innovation in public safety.

In this episode, Elk Grove Police Chief Bobby Davis shares the leadership principles, operational decisions, and cultural values that have shaped one of the most forward-thinking law enforcement agencies in the country.

From launching one of the first Real-Time Information Centers (RTIC) in the region to embracing Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology, Chief Davis offers a candid look at how people-first leadership and strategic innovation can transform a department—and a community.

Topics we explore:
– Why leadership rooted in empathy, love, and accountability can drive real results
– How Elk Grove PD’s RTIC became more than a tactical center—it became the cultural heart of the department
– The decision-making framework that empowered front-line personnel to lead DFR adoption
– How real-time tech helps reduce bias, increase transparency, and improve officer and community safety
– The long game of public safety innovation: what scales, what matters, and what leaders should consider before making big bets

Whether you’re in law enforcement, city government, or just curious about the future of public safety, this conversation with Chief Davis offers both inspiration and practical insight.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on the future of policing and community safety.

What does it take to successfully transition from a law enforcement career into the private sector? In this episode, Jamie Hudson, Dalton Webb, and Matt Bellamy (Real-Time & DFR Consulting Manager) share their stories of moving from patrol, investigations, and real-time crime centers into new roles that expand their impact on public safety.

They discuss:
– How years of law enforcement experience build unique problem-solving and leadership skills
– Why those skills translate powerfully into tech, consulting, and customer-facing roles
– The considerations—like benefits, pensions, and culture—when making the leap
– The importance of aligning your next chapter with both your expertise and your passion

This isn’t about leaving law enforcement behind—it’s about taking what you’ve learned and using it to make an even broader impact. Whether you’re in uniform now or already thinking about what’s next, this conversation highlights the possibilities that come with carrying your skills forward.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of public safety, and innovation.

How do you build a Real-Time Crime Center from the ground up—while dealing with staffing shortages and legacy systems?

In this episode, hosts Jamie Hudson and Caity Peak sit down with Lt. Nick McDowell of the Fairfield Police Department (CA) to explore how the agency is evolving its policing strategy through a new Real-Time Information Center. With over 15 years at Fairfield PD and 25+ years in law enforcement, Lt. McDowell shares his candid thoughts on staffing, generational shifts in tech comfort, drone deployment, and why the public now expects advanced crime-fighting tools like Flock LPRs.

🚨 This episode is a must-watch for agencies thinking about launching RTCCs, drone programs, or finding innovative ways to do more with less.

What You’ll Learn:
– Why Fairfield chose to build a Real-Time Center now
– The role of Flock Safety in enhancing investigations
– Challenges of staffing RTCCs with the right personnel
– How tech adoption is generational—and strategic
– Building trust and buy-in with the community

🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations on the future of public safety.

Scottsdale PD’s Real Time Crime Center is doing policing differently—and it’s working.

In this episode, Jamie and Dalton sit down with Chris Henningsen, RTCC Manager at Scottsdale Police Department and president of the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA). They unpack the center’s evolution from a one-person operation during COVID to a nationally respected hub of innovation.

You’ll hear:
• How Scottsdale built its RTCC from scratch without a blueprint
• The critical role of community partnerships and leadership buy-in
• Why tours, transparency and team culture drive long-term success
• The real story behind the NRTCCA’s explosive conference growth
• Lessons for small and large agencies looking to start or scale an RTCC

This candid, informative, and hilarious conversation is a must-watch for law enforcement leaders, public safety professionals, and anyone curious about the future of real-time policing.

👉 Learn more about the National Real Time Crime Center Association: https://nrtccaconference.org

Jamie Hudson and Dalton Webb sit down with Bailey Quintrell, Chief Strategy Officer at Flock Safety, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the company decides what to build, the real meaning of “integration” and how AI is shaping the future of law enforcement.

📌 Topics include:
• The right way to do product integrations
• Balancing innovation with legacy systems
• Flock’s short- and long-term product roadmap
• How AI will transform public safety—and what won’t change
• A fun rapid-fire round (spoiler: Jamie wins best beard)

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on the future of crime-fighting tech and public safety innovation.