There is a robbery in progress at a convenience store.

The 9-1-1 dispatcher types the information and address into a computer.

Seconds later, the roof of a “hanger” on a landing pad on top of the police station roof opens and out comes a first responder drone at the direction of an officer assigned to the real time crime center adjacent to the dispatch center.

In as little as 15 seconds, the drone is over the crime scene without any human interaction.

It’s cameras are feeding images in real time of suspects fleeing the bank to computer screens at the department, in patrol vehicles, officer smartphones, and servers that collect and store evidence.

Meanwhile, the officer in the real time crime center is accessing flock cameras in the general vicinity of the incident,

The deployed drone, now in the control of trained personnel, is directed to zero in on the vehicle the suspects have entered.

It then trails the suspect vehicle’s movements while officers are still responding, allowing some officers to be diverted to give chase.

And when officers stop the vehicle, the drone — if needed, will also provide live footage from its aerial vantage to track suspects as they flee on foot.

The “eyes” in the air and on stationary cameras on the ground helps track suspect movements and direct officers.

That is just one scenario of how a real time crime centered wedded with technology will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of police as well as enhance their safety and that of the public.

On Tuesday, the Manteca City Council is expected to accept a $599,000 federal Community Orientated Policing Services (COPS) grant as part of elected officials’ commitment to tap additional funding sources to get the new police station and necessary technology in place.

“With limited manpower, our ability to respond promptly to emergencies and combat criminal activities is compromised,” Police Captain Paul Carmona noted in a memo to the council.

“The RTIC (real time information crime center) would act as a force multiplier, leveraging technology and data analytics to compensate for staffing shortages. By centralizing information and streamlining communication, we can maximize the efficiency of our resources, facilitating quicker and more coordinated responses to incidents.”

Carmona pointed out the dynamic nature of modern threats, including organized retail crime, cyberattacks, and terrorism, demands a real-time approach to law enforcement.

The RTIC allows instant access to critical intelligence, enabling preemptive action against emerging threats. The advanced surveillance systems and predictive analytics also will allow police to detect patterns, anticipate trends, and disrupt criminal activities proactively.

The system also fosters community engagement and transparency.

“By utilizing social media monitoring and public outreach initiatives, we can build trust and collaboration with our citizens,” Carmona noted in the memo. “Real-time dissemination of safety information empowers residents to actively participate in crime prevention efforts, strengthening our collective ability to uphold law and order.”

Carmona stressed it is “not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic necessity for our police department. By leveraging data, technology, and community partnerships, we can overcome staffing limitations and ensure the safety and security of our community.”

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com