The Paterson Police Department today announced the launch of its Real Time Operations Center (RTOC) and the expansion of its drone program, marking a major milestone in the Department’s modernization and a defining achievement under the State’s oversight.
Together, the RTOC and drone program represent a comprehensive investment in technology that strengthens enforcement, enhances officer and public safety, and improves coordination across the city. These advancements reflect a broader transformation of the Paterson Police Department, driven by data, accountability, and modern operational standards.
“The launch of the Real Time Operations Center and expanded drone capabilities represents a turning point for public safety in Paterson,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “For too long, officers here were asked to do their jobs without the modern tools routinely used by other major cities. That has changed. These systems give officers better information, faster insight, and stronger coordination, all while improving safety and accountability. This is what meaningful investment in public safety looks like, and it reflects the lasting progress made in Paterson.”
The RTOC serves as the technological backbone of the department, integrating multiple public safety systems into a centralized command environment. The center connects officers and supervisors to real time data and video intelligence, providing a clearer understanding of developing incidents and supporting faster, safer responses. The RTOC integrates citywide camera feeds, gunshot detection technology, automatic license plate readers, and body worn camera analytics to support coordinated, intelligence led policing.
“The Real Time Operations Center reflects how far this department has come,” said Office of Policing Strategy and Innovation Executive Director Isa Abbassi. “Under state oversight, Paterson has built systems that emphasize clarity, coordination, and accountability. The RTOC and expanded drone program are not standalone upgrades. They are part of a deliberate effort to modernize policing, strengthen public safety, and ensure that technology is used responsibly and effectively for the benefit of the community.”
Complementing the RTOC, the department’s expanded drone program builds on five years of successful use by the Emergency Response Team for search and rescue operations, tactical deployments, and public safety missions. The enhanced fleet is now available across multiple units, providing real time aerial awareness during emergencies, investigations, and large-scale incidents.
Drones also support crash and crime scene documentation, allowing investigators to capture overhead imagery and generate accurate three-dimensional mapping more efficiently. These capabilities improve scene management, reduce roadway closures, and enhance safety for officers and the public.
“These tools fundamentally change how we operate,” said Officer in Charge Patrick Murray. “The RTOC and drone program give our officers real time insight when seconds matter most. They improve coordination across divisions, enhance safety on every call, and allow us to respond with precision. This is the result of years of focused work, and it positions Paterson as a model for modern policing.”
The launch of these capabilities is part of a broader modernization effort implemented during the State’s oversight of the department. That effort has included investments in technology, training, supervision, and communication, alongside a renewed focus on enforcement strategies driven by data and accountability.
Through the Fusus platform, businesses and residents may voluntarily share surveillance footage with the department, expanding investigative capabilities and improving situational awareness before officers arrive on scene. This collaboration reduces uncertainty during responses, enhances officer safety, and strengthens partnerships between the department and the community.
Those investments have coincided with significant public safety gains across the city. According to the Paterson Police Department’s most recent year-end CompStat data, shooting incidents declined by more than 40 percent and shooting victims were reduced by over 50 percent compared to the same period last year, representing one of the most substantial year-over-year improvements in recent history. Violent crime continues to trend downward, with notable reductions in robberies and aggravated assaults year to date. These outcomes reflect the combined impact of focused enforcement, intelligence-led policing, and the integration of real time technology that strengthens coordination, improves situational awareness, and supports safer, more effective responses citywide.
Beyond enforcement, the department has expanded its use of digital communication and social media to provide timely public safety information, highlight officer professionalism, and increase transparency. These efforts have strengthened engagement with residents and contributed to one of the most active and engaged law enforcement audiences in New Jersey.
The RTOC and drone program exemplify the department’s shift toward integrated, intelligence driven policing, linking field operations, real time information, and community resources to create a common operating picture that improves coordination and outcomes.
“These are durable systems built to last,” Attorney General Platkin added. “They reflect the progress made in Paterson and the foundation that has been established for the future. The work done here shows what is possible when a department is given the tools, leadership, and structure it needs to succeed.”
Residents and business owners interested in partnering with the department can register their cameras or share footage through connectpaterson.org, supporting investigations and helping to keep the community safe.