Scottsdale has been named the Overall Winner in the 2026 Smart Cities North America Awards for the Scottsdale Police Department’s AI-powered Real Time Crime Center and Drone-as-First-Responder program.

The recognition, presented by the International Data Corporation (IDC), highlights leading government initiatives that use technology, partnerships and community engagement to address public challenges.

Scottsdale’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) represents a new approach to modern policing. Rather than relying on traditional camera monitoring rooms, the RTCC operates as a citywide, cloud-connected platform that provides real-time decision support to law enforcement, dispatchers, emergency management teams and special event coordinators.

“This award reflects the incredible work of the men and women of the Scottsdale Police Department and the team who built and operate our Real Time Crime Center every day,” said Scottsdale Police Chief Joe LeDuc. “Their commitment to innovation, public safety and protecting the privacy of our community is what makes this program successful. I’m extremely proud of them and the impact their work is having on Scottsdale’s safety.”

Drones providing real-time intelligence

Scottsdale is considered a national leader in operational police drone deployments. Through the department’s Drone-as-First-Responder program, drones can launch immediately when a 911 call is received and arrive at the scene within minutes, often before officers.

The drones stream live aerial video directly to the Real Time Crime Center, giving police critical information before officers arrive. The aircraft are equipped with tools such as thermal imaging for nighttime operations and can help locate suspects, assess scenes and improve officer safety by providing visual intelligence.

More than 70 live-response drone flights have been conducted as part of the program.

The system also integrates with Federal Aviation Administration systems and local airspace radar to ensure flights operate safely and within federal regulations.

Privacy-first approach

A key component of Scottsdale’s Real Time Crime Center is its privacy-focused governance model.

The system operates on a reactive activation framework. Cameras, analytics and drones are only activated after a verified incident, 911 call or specific event trigger. There is no continuous monitoring or blanket surveillance.

All activity is logged, auditable and governed by department policy to ensure accountability while still allowing officers to use technology to respond more effectively.

Recognizing innovation across North America

The Smart Cities North America Awards recognize leading practices and innovation among state, provincial and local governments. This year’s competition included projects across 10 categories, with one overall winner selected.

“Organizations throughout North America continue to find new ways to provide services for their communities and improve the experience of working in, and with, the public sector,” said Ruthbea Yesner, vice president of IDC Government Insights, Education and Smart Cities. “Every year we see more advancement in the types of technologies and projects deployed, and it is a privilege to celebrate all of this year’s applicants.”

Scottsdale and other winners will be honored during the Smart Cities Connect conference March 10–12 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets. Founded in 1964, IDC provides analysis and insight to help organizations make informed technology decisions in more than 110 countries.