A Unified, Data-Driven Platform for Real-Time Crime Centers and Emergency Operations
Definition: Genetec Citigraf is a unified strategic decision support system (SDSC) that consolidates public safety data from multiple sources – such as CAD, ALPR, video, and IoT sensors – into one real-time, map-based interface for faster, smarter emergency response.
As a Genetec Unified Elite Partner, MCA is committed to delivering advanced public safety technologies that empower agencies to respond with precision and intelligence. In modern public safety, agencies face the immense challenge of managing a vast and ever-growing array of data from disparate systems. This information overload can hinder situational awareness and delay emergency response. To address this, a unified platform is needed to transform raw data into actionable intelligence – Enter Genetec CitiGraf™.
What is Genetec Citigraf™?
Genetec Citigraf™ is a strategic decision support system (SDSC) designed specifically for public safety agencies, real-time crime centers (RTCCs), and emergency operations centers. It is engineered to provide a deeper, data-driven understanding of what is happening across a city in real time. Citigraf achieves this by consolidating information from numerous disconnected sources – including Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), video management systems (VMS), automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), gunshot detection sensors, and records management systems (RMS) – into a single, comprehensive operating picture.
By presenting this correlated information through an intuitive, map-based interface, Citigraf empowers command center operators and first responders to make better, faster decisions. It transforms siloed data into a shared, city-wide lens for situational awareness, enhancing both day-to-day operations and the coordination of large-scale incident responses.
Key Features and Benefits
Citigraf’s core features include a correlation engine, unified situational awareness, and real-time analytics that transform raw data into actionable insights across citywide operations.
Citigraf is built to break down informational barriers and provide a unified view that improves coordination, efficiency, and safety.
Unified Situational Awareness
Citigraf provides a common operating picture by combining inputs from video surveillance, ALPR, IoT sensors, CAD calls, and GIS layers. This unified view ensures all agencies and personnel are working from the same, relevant data, which facilitates more coordinated and effective responses.
Dynamic Correlation Engine
The platform’s intelligent correlation engine is a core component that analyzes geospatial and temporal data to connect related events. It automatically highlights relevant information and potential links between incidents, giving responders critical insight before they arrive on scene. This moves operations from a reactive to a proactive model.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
By delivering immediate access to correlated intelligence, Citigraf significantly reduces the stress on RTCC operators, who no longer need to navigate multiple systems during a critical event. As demonstrated by the Albuquerque Police Department, consolidating all core public safety systems into a single platform enables operators to perform their jobs more efficiently, reduces response times, and ensures that frontline personnel are better informed and safer in the field.
Data-Driven Analytics and Planning
Beyond real-time incident management, Citigraf serves as a powerful analytical tool. It allows agencies to review historical data to identify crime trends, measure the effectiveness of public safety initiatives, and refine resource allocation. This insight enables command staff to develop targeted crime reduction strategies and enhance planning for significant events.
Secure, Scalable, and Collaborative Framework
Cybersecurity is integrated into the foundation of Citigraf, protecting sensitive data and communications. The platform is open and scalable, allowing it to adapt as a city’s needs grow. It facilitates collaboration between public agencies and private entities, enabling community members and businesses to contribute video evidence through secure portals, such as the Genetec Clearance™ camera registry program, thereby fostering stronger community partnerships.
Core Components and Technical Specifications
Citigraf is composed of several integrated components that work together to create a seamless decision support ecosystem.
- Decision Support Dashboard: The primary interface is a map-based visualization console that centralizes all relevant inputs in real time. Operators can click on an incident icon to instantly access CAD information, live video from nearby cameras, officer locations, and recent activity reports in the area.
- Correlation Engine: This engine is the system’s analytical core. It continually assesses data based on time, location, and event type to detect patterns and prioritize relevant intelligence for dispatchers and operators. For example, it can link a shot detection alert with ALPR reads and nearby surveillance footage.
- Integration Framework: Citigraf is built on an open architecture that unifies a wide range of public safety technologies, including ALPR, VMS, CAD, RMS databases, IoT sensors, and GIS data layers. This ensures that existing technology investments can be leveraged within the new unified system.
- Evidence Sharing and Management: The platform integrates directly with Genetec Clearance™, a digital evidence management system. Operators can export video, incident data, and associated reports from Citigraf into Clearance with a few clicks. This streamlines the chain of custody, allowing investigators to access, manage, and share digital evidence securely.
Real-World Impact: From Theory to Practice
The value of Citigraf, as explained by our partners at Genetec, is best illustrated through its successful implementation in major cities, where it has delivered measurable improvements in public safety outcomes.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
As reported by Genetec, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) implemented Citigraf to overcome the challenges of siloed data systems in its Real Time Crime Center. By unifying over 700 cameras, CAD information, and officer locations, the APD empowered its RTCC operators to handle incidents with greater speed and confidence. Commander Mark Torres noted that operators can now view all cameras and related events on the Citigraf map, allowing them to remotely monitor situations such as public protests without deploying officers directly into the crowd, thereby enhancing officer safety. The integration with Genetec Clearance also streamlined evidence sharing, reducing the time required to get critical information to detectives from days to minutes.
Chicago, Illinois
Similarly, Genetec also reports that the City of Chicago deployed Citigraf as the core technology for its Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs). This initiative focused on proactive crime prevention at the neighborhood level. By aggregating and analyzing real-time and archived data, including shot detection and VMS feeds, the Chicago PD was able to develop targeted crime reduction strategies. The results have been significant, with districts using Citigraf reporting a 22% decrease in shootings in one year and a 39% reduction in on-scene arrival times in high-risk areas.
Who Needs Genetec Citigraf?
Citigraf is a versatile solution designed for a range of public safety stakeholders.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Police chiefs, commanders, analysts, and dispatch teams who need real-time situational awareness to deploy resources effectively, monitor events, and conduct investigations.
- Emergency Management: Operators managing responses to natural disasters, large public events, or other major incidents who require a coordinated, multi-agency view to protect citizens and infrastructure.
- City Officials: Mayors, city managers, and other leaders who seek to improve public safety, enhance transparency, and measure the effectiveness of departmental budgets and safety initiatives.
MCA and Genetec: Your Partners in Public Safety
At MCA, we specialize in helping organizations solve their most critical communication, connectivity, and security challenges. We deliver integrated system solutions by leveraging our extensive network of carefully curated partners, including industry leaders like Genetec. Our expertise extends beyond simply providing technology; we offer comprehensive, vendor-agnostic guidance to ensure you receive the right solution for your specific operational needs and budget.
Our expert teams can help you evaluate if Genetec Citigraf is the ideal fit for your agency. If it is, we have the certified professionals to design, deploy, and support the system. If another solution from our portfolio better aligns with your goals, we will guide you to that alternative. With MCA, you gain a trusted advisor committed to building safer, more efficient communities through expertly deployed technology and a service-first approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system that unifies data from video surveillance, ALPR, CAD, RMS, and IoT sensors into one interface. It provides public safety teams with real-time situational awareness and data-driven insights to improve response coordination.
Citigraf’s correlation engine automatically connects related incidents by time and location, giving responders context before they arrive on scene. This proactive insight reduces response times and improves decision accuracy during emergencies.
Police departments, city governments, emergency management teams, and public safety command centers benefit from Citigraf’s ability to integrate multiple data sources and enhance operational visibility.
Unlike traditional systems that operate in silos, Citigraf provides a unified operating picture. It consolidates video, dispatch, and sensor data into a single dashboard, helping operators identify patterns and respond more effectively.
Yes. Citigraf is built on an open, scalable architecture that grows with your city’s needs. It integrates easily with existing infrastructure and supports future expansion as technology and data sources evolve.
MCA provides full design, integration, and support for Citigraf deployments. As a Genetec Unified Elite Partner, MCA ensures optimal configuration, training, and ongoing maintenance tailored to each agency’s mission.
About MCA
We believe every workplace should be safe, secure, and efficient. As trusted advisors, we deliver integrated communication, connectivity, and security solutions with a Service First mindset – driven by a team that cares deeply about our customers and each other.
Why MCA? At MCA, we help solve critical communication, connectivity, and security challenges with turnkey, integrated system solutions – from two-way radios and in-building wireless to video surveillance, access control, and more. MCA is built from over 50 companies with deep technical expertise and strong local roots. And we’re still growing – expanding our capabilities, our reach, and our team.
Our 100+ Solution Centers bring together sales, installation, service, and customer operations teams to deliver seamless, nationwide support. Guided by our Service First value, we don’t just connect the wires and walk away – we provide customized solutions backed by deep expertise and lifecycle support.
