Behind the Scenes: Tempe PD Talks Aerial Surveillance on Shots Fired Podcast
Watch the full Shots Fired episode here: https://youtu.be/ICa9lvPa4Mo?si=7whKmkbgw9t09PEj
Also featured in Police1’s breakdown of the podcast episode: https://www.police1.com/police-products/vehicle-equipment/mobile-surveillance/shots-fired-critical-tech-for-public-events
Modern law enforcement isn’t just about response—it’s about prevention. That message rings loud and clear in a recent episode of the Shots Fired Podcast, hosted by Mark Reddich and Kyle Schelberg, where Detective Dave Gibson of the Tempe Police Department shares how his agency uses advanced mobile video surveillance technology to enhance safety at major public events and help prevent tragedies like mass casualty incidents.
At the center of the discussion is The RATT—a hitch-mounted, easy-to-deploy tower system developed by Critical Tech Solutions. This mobile surveillance platform has become a trusted tool in Tempe’s evolving public safety strategy, offering real-time aerial surveillance, fast deployment, and unmatched flexibility. Its impact is already being felt across the region as a true force multiplier for proactive policing.
This episode is a must-listen for safety and security personnel seeking innovative ways to increase situational awareness during large-scale deployments. Whether you’re in law enforcement, private security, or emergency management, the strategies discussed provide practical, scalable solutions for modern public safety challenges.
How The RATT Supports Special Event Surveillance
Tempe Police handle over 30 large-scale events a year—from marathons to music festivals. With thousands of attendees, crowd control and emergency response require more than patrol officers on foot. Enter The RATT: a mobile surveillance tower that mounts to a standard vehicle hitch and elevates a high-powered camera to deliver aerial surveillance in real time.
Unlike fixed cameras on rooftops, The RATT offers:
- Mobility: Officers can move with the crowd, relaying updated visuals back to a central command post.
- Flexibility: It can be deployed in less than 10 minutes by one person and extended to 30 feet, making it ideal for parades, races, and dynamic events.
- Clarity: Its high-zoom PTZ camera performs in low-light environments and can even capture a license plate two blocks away.
Furthermore, the system feeds directly to command centers and can be accessed by officers in the field. This shared visibility allows for quicker, better-informed decisions—like where to deploy extra officers or when to divert resources in response to an evolving threat.
Mobile Surveillance in Action—Preventing Mass Casualties
Tempe PD’s use of The RATT goes beyond basic crowd monitoring. As discussed on the Shots Fired Podcast, the system plays a critical role in preventing mass casualty events by giving law enforcement real-time, mobile visibility during high-risk scenarios.
One powerful example shared by Detective Gibson was Tempe PD’s support of local law enforcement at a major event drawing large crowds, like the Waste Management Phoenix Open. While Scottsdale PD had fixed surveillance cameras positioned throughout the venue, The RATT served as a mobile unit that could be deployed anywhere on the perimeter where additional visibility was needed. This allowed command staff to detect crowd flow issues, identify potential threats, and redirect uniformed officers before problems escalated.
“It’s just a force multiplier,” Gibson explained. “We can post up at any point along the perimeter and feed live situational awareness back to command.”
This capability becomes essential in today’s climate, where active threats—whether from lone actors or coordinated attacks—require rapid, flexible response. By integrating aerial surveillance with behavioral detection and field intel, Tempe PD is proactively building a safer event environment—not just reacting after the fact.
Whether it’s a major golf tournament, political rally, or spontaneous protest, this level of preparation and visibility can make the difference between swift mitigation and devastating loss.
A Versatile Tool for Threat Mitigation and Crowd Safety
Tempe PD’s Threat Mitigation Unit, which Gibson helps lead, integrates The RATT into a broader strategy that includes covert officers, behavioral detection, and collaboration with local and federal intelligence agencies. The RATT’s real-time data complements pre-event social media monitoring and in-field observations, helping the department prevent tragedies before they unfold.
Detective Gibson explained that The RATT isn’t just for large public events—it’s also been used during SWAT operations, barricaded suspect incidents, and protests. The system gives his team real-time visibility and the ability to adapt quickly in the field.
In addition to law enforcement, The RATT proves valuable for fire and EMS coordination. When a medical emergency occurs in a dense crowd, operators can zoom in, pinpoint the location using a grid system, and direct medics quickly—saving precious minutes.
This technology also supports after-action reviews. Data and experience from The RATT are used to refine future deployment plans, ensuring continual improvement in public safety operations.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Surveillance for All Agencies
One standout topic in the podcast was cost. While many advanced surveillance systems come with six-figure price tags, The RATT delivers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. This makes it accessible for smaller departments and opens the door for multi-unit deployments.
Key benefits include:
- Affordability: Designed to meet budget constraints without compromising effectiveness.
- Multiple Mounting Options: Hitch mounts, wall mounts, and tripod mounts—even on rooftops—for flexible deployment in any environment.
- Durable Design: Built for rapid deployment and all-day use in harsh environments.
Detective Gibson noted that what sets The RATT apart is not just the tech, but the company behind it. “If there’s an issue,” he said, “I can call Critical Tech Solutions directly—no phone trees, no waiting. They’re responsive, and they get it.”
Why It Matters for Law Enforcement and Community Trust
The presence of highly visible tools like The RATT offers reassurance to the public. At the same time, its discreet capabilities allow agencies to monitor threats without disrupting the community atmosphere. It’s part of a larger move toward proactive policing—ensuring safety while maintaining public confidence.
As Gibson emphasized in the podcast, “When people see that we have the tools to detect threats before they escalate, they feel safer. That’s what we’re here for.”
Whether you’re coordinating security at a marathon, planning a response to civil unrest, or managing a covert surveillance operation, The RATT is proving to be an invaluable tool in today’s complex threat landscape.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Future of Public Safety
The Shots Fired Podcast episode offers more than just a product showcase—it delivers a blueprint for smarter public safety. Tempe PD’s use of mobile, affordable, and adaptive technology is a case study in how innovation can save lives.
See how agencies deploy The RATT by reading other real-world customer stories.
