Knoxville police use Real Time Information Center to find burglary suspect

What This Story Is About KPD used its new Real Time Information Center to track and arrest suspects, including in a burglary reported on UT’s campus, using live public cameras. Why It Matters KPD said the center helps solve crime faster — like recovering a stolen bicycle and removing a repeat property offender — as license plate cameras draw national scrutiny. What Happens Next KPD plans to launch a drone first responder program from the center and add its own downtown security cameras.

For Context Officials stress the center’s cameras are not license plate readers, and say they are committed to using the technology transparently, ethically and responsibly. RTIC will continue growing with more cameras, drones in the future KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Knoxville Police Department has used its new Real Time Information Center this week to find suspects, including a man in a burglary reported on UT’s campus.

KPD’s RTIC team used public cameras to find the man and bring him into custody. The department said the center is an important tool to help solve crimes. KPD is discussing the center as license plate reading cameras draw controversy nationwide.

Summary of the outlet's own feed. From WVLT (Knoxville), October 29, 2026.