GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- The Gastonia Police Department unveiled its new Real Time Crime Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen public safety and support officers in the field with real-time intelligence and technology.

The RTCC was made possible through $963,000 in funding from a federal COPS Grant, along with $220,000 from ARPA funds and $100,000 from the City of Gastonia’s General Fund.

The annual cost to staff and operate the center is projected at $641,000 per year. The RTCC will begin with 8 full-time staff members, with the capacity to expand to 12 as operations grow.

The center is part of a nationwide network that connects more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies and 6,000 community and business camera partnerships, including major retailers such a

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