El Mirage Police partners with Glendale for real time crime center pilot program

The El Mirage City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss a significant partnership with the City of Glendale aimed at enhancing local law enforcement capabilities through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the West Valley Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

The meeting commenced with an overview of the proposed MOU, which seeks to integrate various technological resources, including surveillance cameras, drones, and gunshot detection systems, into a centralized platform for real-time crime monitoring and response. The initiative is positioned as a progressive step in modern policing, leveraging technology to improve public safety and operational efficiency.

Chief Marzocca highlighted the benefits of the RTCC, noting that it would allow for immediate access to critical data during emergencies, thereby enabling officers to make informed decisions as incidents unfold. The chief emphasized that the RTCC has been successfully operational in Glendale for several years, and El Mirage's participation would not require significant upfront investment in infrastructure, as Glendale has already established the necessary systems.

During the discussion, council members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the potential for improved crime response and community safety. Councilor Dorothy raised a point about the effectiveness of real-time data in solving crimes, citing a recent news story that illustrated the system's capabilities.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the long-term financial implications of the project. Councilor Aldridge expressed apprehension about potential costs after the proof of concept phase, questioning whether the city would need to allocate additional funds for staffing and technology. Chief Marzocca reassured the council that the initial phase would utilize existing personnel and that any future financial commitments would be carefully assessed.

The council discussed the operational aspects of the RTCC, including staffing levels and the prioritization of calls. It was clarified that when an El Mirage employee is on-site, their primary focus would be on incidents occurring within the city, while mutual assistance from Glendale and Avondale would be available during overlapping emergencies.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to proceed with the proof of concept phase, allowing El Mirage to evaluate the effectiveness of the RTCC before making any long-term commitments. Chief Marzocca is expected to report back to the council after the assessment period to discuss the outcomes and potential next steps, including the possibility of entering into a more formal intergovernmental agreement with Glendale.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to enhancing public safety through collaboration and technology, with an eye toward sustainable and effective law enforcement practices in El Mirage.