By Mary Gianna Hill
The rise of Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) in the United States, including their implementation in Pennsylvania, marks a significant development in law enforcement surveillance. These centers employ advanced technologies to conduct real-time monitoring of the public. While the primary aim of RTCCs is to enhance public safety, they also raise critical concerns about privacy rights and constitutional protections. Specifically, the use of pervasive surveillance technology by the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) through its RTCC challenges the boundaries of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
This Comment explores the constitutional implications of RTCC surveillance, arguing that the PPD’s use of this technology constitutes a search under both the Fourth Amendment and the Pennsylvania Constitution. By analyzing U.S. Supreme Court decisions on surveillance, as well as relevant Pennsylvania court rulings, this Comment advocates for enhanced judicial scrutiny of RTCCs, noting that while Pennsylvania’s Article I, Section 8 does not categorically exceed the protections of the Fourth Amendment, it offers particularly persuasive safeguards when it comes to real-time surveillance. The conclusion underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects both public safety and individual privacy in the digital age.