Rocky Mount has introduced a new crime prevention tool to help the police keep the community safe.
Called ResourceRouter, this software uses past crime data to forecast crime trends, pinpoint trouble spots, and guide officers to patrol areas with higher crime rates.
WRAL News joined Sgt. Jonathan Denotter to see how it works.
He emphasizes that the system relies entirely on data.
“This helps us fill patrol gaps. Right now, we’re often guessing where crimes might happen. This tool gives us real data to direct our officers to the right places,” he explained.
ResourceRouter is just one of many tools the Rocky Mount Police Department has adopted to tackle crime over the years.
Others include technologies like FLOCK, FUSUS, and the Real-Time Intelligence Center Drone. They also upgraded their 911 Center and body cameras.
Denotter highlighted the importance of staying current with technology: “Criminals are using tech to their advantage, so we must do the same.”
Police Chief Robert Hassell noted that their tech-focused approach is already showing results, with an 8% drop in violent crime from 2023 to 2024.
“Our city leaders have invested significantly in technology, and we’re seeing the positive impact of that investment, along with the hard work of our officers,” Hassell said.
This coming year, ResourceRouter will also help target areas where property crimes are increasing.
Property crime rates rose by 23% from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the need for this tool.
ResourceRouter had an initial cost of $15,800, with an annual subscription of $31,600, all covered by the police budget.
