Omaha’s Real-time Operations Center: The Future of Policing
Omaha Police Lt. Allen Straub has a vantage point unlike any other within the city. From his desk at the Real-time Operations Center (ROC) in downtown Omaha, he oversees a network of over a thousand cameras that provide a comprehensive view of the city. This advanced setup allows specially trained officers to monitor traffic hazards, assist emergency responders, and track suspects—all from the heart of the police department’s headquarters.
The ROC empowers officers in the field by providing real-time information that is crucial during emergencies. “We help officers on the street,” Straub explains. “Whether they’re responding to a crime in progress, a hazardous situation, or emergency cases like fires or vehicle accidents, our support isn’t limited to just crime—it encompasses public safety in all its facets.”
Transforming Policing with Technology
The ROC is just one facet of a larger technological transformation within the Omaha Police Department. As traditional policing methods blend with high-tech innovations, the department is committed to staying ahead of the curve. This includes not only sophisticated camera systems but also the introduction of drones and advanced data storage solutions.
The Technology and Reporting Bureau, led by David VanDyke, focuses on effective information collection and utilization. Since joining the department in 2013, VanDyke has witnessed a shift to electronic report processing. Officers are now enabled to access a centralized repository containing over 6.7 million records, enhancing the speed and efficiency of investigations significantly. “Time that was once dedicated to clerical tasks is now better spent on solving crimes,” he noted, reflecting on the positive outcomes of this digital evolution.
The advances in real-time data processing have been pivotal, with the ROC operational since 2021 helping clear all 26 homicides in the city in 2025—evidence that technology can indeed facilitate more effective policing.
A Network of Eyes: The ROC’s Camera System
Inside the ROC, a map of Omaha sprawls across large monitors, dotted with camera icons that represent various live feeds across the metro. Street cameras, owned by the city’s Public Works Department, along with cameras from local businesses and organizations, create a vast pool of visual data for officers. Among these, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) was an early adopter, integrating its downtown cameras to enhance public safety.
In 2024, these capabilities were put to the test when officers successfully tracked a sexual assault suspect, highlighting the ROC’s role in swiftly addressing dangerous situations. The advantages extend beyond criminal apprehension, encompassing traffic incident analysis and emergency response speed.
The public can also engage with the department through a registry, where home surveillance systems, such as Ring cameras, can be registered. While this does not allow for live-streaming, officers can reach out to residents to obtain valuable footage when necessary. “We’re not watching the public,” Straub clarifies. “Our focus is strictly on locating suspects and assessing crime scenes.”
Evolving with Drones: A New Dimension of Response
A recent technological addition is the Drones as First Responders program, launched in November 2022. With drones housed at the Blair Executive Airport, this initiative positions unmanned aerial vehicles as pivotal tools in emergency situations. As Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Mayor John Ewing announced, these drones provide immediate situational assessments—crucial insights that can greatly aid emergency responders.
Currently, six drones are strategically positioned across Omaha, two of which are stationed on the rooftop of police headquarters. As soon as they are deployed, they start recording, sending live footage back to the ROC and to the pilot in control. Chief Pilot Frank Peck explains, “Our main goal is to support the officers on the ground, assisting them with information before they even arrive at the scene.”
The successful application of drones not only improves response times but also increases operational efficiency. Under established protocols, these drones are deployed purely in response to emergency 911 calls, and their use is meticulously documented. Mayor Ewing emphasized that the technology is not for general surveillance but a tool for responding to immediate public needs.
The Future is Here: A Look at Tomorrow’s Policing
As drones become more integrated into everyday policing, it’s evident that they represent a significant advancement in public safety infrastructure. Experts like Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union, advocate for strict guidelines surrounding their use, ensuring ethical standards in surveillance practices.
With an eye toward the future, Peck believes that as technology continues to evolve, the integration of drones into policing will become universally expected. “Years from now, we’ll look back at this as a defining moment in law enforcement, demonstrating how necessity and innovation can work hand in hand,” he asserts.
As these technologies develop and mature, the Omaha Police Department illustrates how proactive engagement with advanced tools can enhance safety and efficiency, ultimately reshaping our understanding of effective policing in the modern world.
