Councilwoman Ann O'Brien Applauds Federal Funding to Support Phoenix Police Technology

Phoenix Councilwoman Ann O’Brien is expressing gratitude for the work of our Congressional delegation in securing critical federal funding for the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit and the Phoenix Police Department Real Time Operations Centers.

“As an early advocate and consistent champion for Real Time Operations Centers and public safety technology, I am grateful to work alongside federal partners who understand that investing in our police department’s capabilities is investing in the safety and well-being of our entire community,” Councilwoman O’Brien said. “This federal funding will enhance our ability to respond to incidents quickly, investigate crimes more effectively, and ultimately keep Phoenix residents safer.”

The FY2026 minibus appropriations package includes:

Phoenix Real Time Crime Center — $2,062,000

·         Through the collaborative efforts of Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari and Congressman Greg Stanton, this funding will be used to purchase advanced technology for the Phoenix Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). The investment will provide critical infrastructure including cameras and license plate readers that stream directly into the RTCC, enhancing officers’ ability to respond to and investigate crimes in real time.

Law Enforcement Simulator Training Equipment – $1,900,000

·         Secured through the efforts of Congressman Abe Hamadeh, this funding will enable the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit to acquire a flight simulator and associated software with unlimited use for five years. This purchase will reduce training costs through fuel expenses and maintenance on the helicopter fleet while increasing training delivered to pilots with the most accurate and realistic flight conditions.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Congresswoman Ansari, Congressman Stanton, and Congressman Hamadeh for their dedication to securing these funds for Phoenix,” O’Brien said. “Their leadership in Washington demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting our first responders and investing in proven technology that makes our neighborhoods safer.”

Since taking office, O’Brien has led a series of public safety technology initiatives that have modernized Phoenix’s emergency response capabilities:

Real Time Operations Centers (referred to as Real Time Crime Center in federal funding package)

·         Launched in 2024, these high-tech centers use license plate readers, gunshot detection systems, and CCTV data to assist officers in real time. Community Safety Plans that integrate RTOC insights have contributed to meaningful crime reductions, with some areas seeing declines in violent crime and overall crime rates.

AI-Powered Non-Emergency Call System

·         In 2025, Phoenix deployed an AI-enabled system to triage non-emergency calls, freeing up 911 dispatchers to focus on urgent incidents. The AI system supports callers in up to 36 languages and directs them to the most appropriate city resources, significantly improving response times and prioritizing critical calls.

Emergency Lockbox Program

·         O’Brien launched and expanded a citywide emergency lockbox initiative that gives first responders secure access to homes without property damage during emergencies. Since its inception, hundreds of lockboxes have been installed, enhancing safety for vulnerable residents.

Drone Integration for Police and Fire Response

·         As a result of O’Brien’s advocacy, Phoenix has expanded its use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) to enhance situational awareness for both police and fire operations, providing real-time imagery and reducing risks to first responders.

"Technology serves as a force multiplier for our department," O'Brien said. "While we continue working to address staffing shortages in the Police Department, these advanced tools enable our officers to work more efficiently and safely.”

Media Contact
Christina Estes, Director of Communications
christina.estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text