ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Residents curious about how technology is shaping modern policing in Asheville will soon have a chance to see it up close.
The Asheville Police Department plans to begin offering bi-weekly public tours and educational sessions focused on its developing Real Time Intelligence Center, or RTIC, starting June 4.
Asheville City Council member Bo Hess, in a social media post, described the tours as an opportunity for residents to learn how technology supports emergency response and public safety while asking questions directly of police staff.
City officials confirmed the information shared in the post and said the program is designed to increase transparency as the department moves forward with the project.
“Transparency,” officials said when asked what prompted the tours. “As this program moves forward, we want community members to have the opportunity to see how the technology works, understand the safeguards in place, ask questions and provide feedback.”
According to the department, the tours are intended to provide factual information about the RTIC, gather community input and help ensure policies align with community values and expectations.
The Real Time Intelligence Center is still under development and is not expected to become fully operational until spring 2027.
For now, visitors won’t be walking into a fully functioning command center.
“There isn’t much to see now,” officials acknowledged. “The space isn’t built out, and we don’t have the software yet, but that’s the point: we want the community to help build the foundation.”
During the sessions, participants will learn how the department uses technology such as automated license plate readers, drones and context cameras. Officials said those tools are routinely used to support investigations, locate vehicles connected to criminal activity and provide situational awareness during emergencies.
The department also plans to discuss how the RTIC will eventually integrate those technologies through the Fusus platform, a public safety technology system designed to provide real-time information to first responders.
Police said the goal is to improve public safety while maintaining accountability and transparency.
Officials said the technology can help officers and emergency responders arrive at incidents better informed, support evidence collection and provide investigators with additional tools when victims or witnesses are reluctant to come forward.
The department emphasized that visitors will not have access to active investigations, live monitoring systems or sensitive information during the tours.
“Protecting privacy and maintaining operational security are our top priorities,” officials said.
Privacy concerns have frequently accompanied discussions about surveillance technology nationwide, but Asheville police say safeguards are built into the program. Officials noted the technology does not use facial recognition software and said vendors do not have access to or retain department data.
“Public safety and the protection of individual privacy must be aligned,” the department said, adding that oversight, written policies and community engagement are intended to ensure the technology is used responsibly.
Tours will be offered every other week, with attendance based on registration levels and available time slots. Officials said scheduling could be adjusted depending on public interest.
The department said public outreach efforts will continue beyond the tours through meetings with neighborhood groups, community organizations and residents. Officials also said a community stakeholder policy group is helping develop policies governing the technology’s use.
Residents interested in attending can schedule a tour by calling 828-259-5881.