By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Goodyear City Council will receive an update Monday, March 17 on plans for a Real-Time Crime Center, a project aimed at enhancing law enforcement response and crime prevention. 

The Goodyear Real-Time Intelligence and Tactical (GRIT) Center was first included in the fiscal year 2024 strategic plan with the fiscal year 2025 plan directing the police department to study its feasibility.

Since July 2024, Goodyear police officials have visited Glendale, Scottsdale, and Elk Grove, California, to research similar centers and assess technology, staffing, and policies.

Police Chief Brian Issitt will present findings from the study, including recommendations for technology integration, staffing needs and a phased implementation plan. The department has proposed a four-year plan to establish a fully operational 24/7 intelligence center.

City leaders will discuss the role of real-time crime monitoring in public safety, current trends in crime and emergency response calls, proposed technology and staffing for the GRIT Center and the potential budget considerations for fiscal year 2026.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about how the city plans to use technology to enhance law enforcement efforts.

The discussion follows the October City Council decision to begin recording footage from Goodyear’s traffic signal cameras. Previously, the cameras provided only live monitoring.

“The public’s biggest concern is what are we doing with the stuff that we are filming and how we intend to keep it from turning into Big Brother," said former councilmember Bill Stipp. 

The Traffic Signal Camera Operation and Recording Policy, developed by the Engineering Department, was approved unanimously, 6-0, and allocates $293,700 for equipment and virtual storage. The policy limits access to recorded footage to designated personnel, with public and media access requiring a formal request process.

"This has nothing to do with trying to spy on people. This is about (the police department) and protecting them and protecting constituents," said councilmember Vicki Gillis.

The GRIT Center update will be presented Monday, March 17 at 5 p.m. in the Canyon Trails Room at Goodyear City Hall, 1900 N. Civic Square. Residents interested in the city's public safety initiatives are encouraged to attend.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.