RTD partners with Colorado Broadband Office, FBI to share safety benefits of live look-in video on agency’s vehicles

RTD’s ability to see and hear incidents in real time on its vehicles supports operator, customer and the wider community’s safety

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) in partnership with the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) and FBI is featured in a video demonstrating how the agency’s live look-in system across its fleet supports operator and customer safety. CBO produced the “Broadband for Public Safety” video in collaboration with RTD and the FBI to highlight the critical importance of broadband service across Colorado that makes the capability of capturing live look-in video in real time on the agency’s vehicles possible.

With the live look-in system, RTD’s Transit Police dispatchers can use a secure, cellular network connection to hear audio and view video in real time from cameras on board its vehicles. The technology enables RTD’s dispatchers to both view and hear individuals, situations and events occurring on a vehicle in the moment enabling the Transit Police (RTD-PD) to better understand a situation, including how to assist employees and the public in a timely manner. 

“The cameras give situational awareness to the police dispatchers and RTD-PD can immediately locate the vehicle and see via the cameras any incident that might have happened and share insights with the first responder,” RTD Program Manager, Integrated Security Systems, Israel Laufer said.“Built-in modem LTE on the vehicle tracks the GPS location of the vehicle and allows Transit Police dispatchers to view cameras on board the vehicle in any situation.”

RTD began installing the live look-in software in early 2023 for use in emergency situations. Live look-in technology is used to observe and report serious safety hazards, where employee or customer safety may be at risk. All incidents are tracked and recorded. The software gives RTD the ability to immediately retrieve video for investigations, which can be crucial when every moment counts. The agency is currently installing the technology on its light rail vehicles. Buses and commuter rail vehicles already have the technology in place.

“One of the unique things about RTD is the ability to travel through multiple jurisdictions,” RTD Video Investigation Specialist Jaime Ruddock said. “Our assets are always moving, and the live look-in system gives RTD the ability to provide video evidence through multiple jurisdictions for our law enforcement partners.It’s amazing what work can be done in support of the officers we have on the ground.”

“The Colorado Broadband Office is excited to highlight how broadband networks strengthen critical infrastructure. RTD is foundational to Colorado’s transportation system, and we wanted to highlight how it relies on wireless networks to power a vital component of its operations and assists local law enforcement via technology,” CBO’s Executive Director Brandy Reitter said.

The approximately three-minute video produced by CBO featuring RTD’s live look-in technology is one in a series of “Advance Colorado Broadband” videos that emphasize the need for fast, reliable internet access for residents across the state.

To read more about RTD's live look-in system, visit here.