NAPSPS Webinar Session – Inside the Real Time Crime Center: The Critical Role of Professional Staff – Video Recording

I’m Alexia Benson, the Real-Time Information Center Supervisor for the Tulsa Police Department in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I first joined Tulsa’s RTIC early in my career while pursuing my goal of becoming a forensic scientist. After spending time in latent print examination, I realized how much impact real-time policing can have in preventing crime before it happens. That insight ultimately brought me back to RTIC, this time as a supervisor, because I wanted to be part of the intervention side of the work.

In my current role, I oversee all RTIC training and onboarding, as well as technology integration across the department, including patrol, detectives, and specialized units. My background spans 911 communications, medicolegal death investigations, and forensic science, which helps me bridge operational needs with practical solutions.

In addition to my local work, I serve as the Communications Director on the Board of the National Real-Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA). Through NRTCCA, I help support and connect agencies nationwide as real-time policing continues to grow and evolve. I also contribute to AI-driven digital forensics research programs at the University of Central Oklahoma, blending frontline experience with academic innovation.

This combination of hands-on RTIC leadership, national engagement, and research involvement gives me a unique perspective on how real-time policing is shaping the future of law enforcement.

Carolyn Montagna currently serves as the Director of Law Enforcement Analytics at The Policing Lab, embedded within the Miami Police Department. Her role involves enhancing analytical capabilities, fostering collaboration between the Field Operations and Criminal Investigations Divisions, assessing deployment strategies, and initiating data-driven projects aligned with the department’s goals. Previously, she was the Director at the Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Joint Strategic and Tactical Analysis Command Center (JSTACC). She held that position from 2019 to 2024 and during her tenure, she oversaw the daily operations and strategic vision of MPD’s real-time crime center, Investigative Support Section, Research and Analytical Services Branch, and Intelligence Branch among other units. Prior to her appointment to Director, she also served as JSTACC Branch Operations Manager and the Criminal Research Specialist Supervisor. Before her time at MPD, she worked as a Supervisor in the Analytical Intelligence Section of the Baltimore Police Department in Baltimore, Maryland and as a Cold Case Analyst at the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science in West Haven, Connecticut.

Carolyn’s demonstrated strengths include overseeing day-to-day and strategic operations in various types of law enforcement analytical, intelligence, and support units; managing a team of over 140 sworn and professional staff members; disseminating timely, accurate, and actionable information from multiple sources to support 24-7 operations; leading and motivating employees and coworkers; managing multiple innovative projects; implementing new computer-based technologies; researching and developing new intelligence and crime analysis methods; overseeing command centers and emergency operation centers during major, large-scale events; presenting in front of various types of audiences, including but not limited to command staff, community members, the mayor, and other government officials; researching and implementing best practices in law enforcement; participating in various regional task forces and working groups; and adhering to applicable policies and procedures while completing work within required time constraints.

Carolyn holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Advanced Investigation from the University of New Haven, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Nichole “Nikki” North is the Southeast Region Director for the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) and the Manager of the Real Time Crime Center at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. As a founding member of the NRTCCA, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization, serving as President and Vice President of Administration and advancing strategic initiatives that support real-time law enforcement operations nationwide.

Since joining the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 as a Domestic Violence Analyst, Nikki has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise, advancing to Senior Analyst in January 2021, RTCC Supervisor in October 2021, and RTCC Manager in 2024. In her current role, she oversees the strategic management of the Real Time Crime Center, implementing analytical solutions and operational strategies that enhance public safety and support law enforcement decision-making. She is a graduate of the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy (FLEAA), class of December 2021, where she has also served as a mentor, cultivating the next generation of law enforcement analysts. Earlier in her career, she served as a telecommunications operator at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office from June 2016 to March 2018.

Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Investigations from Keiser University’s Daytona Campus in May 2016, graduating as class valedictorian. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated mother and enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs.