URBANA, Illinois – The University of Illinois Division of Public Safety hosted a media day for the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) to provide local news outlets with an opportunity to learn more about the RTIC and its capabilities. 

The RTIC enhances public safety operations by improving situational awareness, accelerating information sharing, supporting officer safety and assisting response coordination during incidents and major events. RTIC analysts provide operational support that helps officers and investigators make faster, more informed decisions in dynamic situations.

The RTIC uses a combination of existing and new technologies, including security cameras, law enforcement databases, the Axon Fusus platform, Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, SkySafe drone detection technology, RapidSOS and more. 

While it was not known at the time, the foundation for the RTIC began in 2008, when former Chief Barbara O’Connor pushed for a centralized campus camera system. The first installation included 12 cameras; today, there are nearly 4,000 across campus, with approximately 200 added each year. 

Former Chief Alice Cary pitched the idea of a Real-Time Information Center in 2022, which turned into an official plan in 2023 following the Michigan State University shooting. 

Department leaders recognized the impact a center like the RTIC could have on the safety of our campus community, and they began speaking with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and her team just days later about sponsoring a grant for the startup funds. 

Later that year, Congresswoman Budzinski secured $963,000 for the project through the U.S. House of Representatives’ Community Project Funding process. 

The RTIC began limited operations in March 2025. “Since becoming operational, the RTIC has already enhanced our ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to incidents through the integration of cameras, real-time technology, and improved access to critical information during active calls for service,” said Chief Matt Ballinger. 

Deputy Chief Tim Hetrick explained that “every minute that we can take away from response time for a crime is a minute towards saving lives.”