The rapid pace of technological advancement continues to revolutionize various industries, from agriculture to the very core of IT. Law enforcement and police agencies are no strangers to this wave of progress. However, the utilization of technology in this field often diverges from standardized integrations. As new innovations emerge, they must adapt to align with law enforcement personnel’s specific needs while prioritizing data security and sensitivity.
Undoubtedly, technology catalyzes enhancing the practices of police agencies and law enforcement. Yet, its effectiveness hinges on its alignment with industry requirements. At FSET, we acknowledge that modern innovation necessitates tailored implementation strategies.
Benefits of Modern Police Technology
Considering how technology betters the lives of those who use it, it corresponds to the fact that it would have many advantages for law enforcement. Police technology includes both direct and indirect benefits:
Improved Efficiency
For many police departments, balancing time between fieldwork and office duties can hinder efficiency. The more steps required to accomplish a task, the lower the overall productivity. Fortunately, technological advancements allow law enforcement to streamline their workflow and boost efficiency. This entails tasks like on-the-go reporting and submissions, leveraging devices to support workloads, and minimizing administrative overhead through seamless integrations.
Time Savings
Numerous police procedures rely heavily on documentation and filing. However, utilizing desktop systems for these tasks often disconnects the workload and the time required to complete it. For instance, documenting reports in the field during busy days and then needing to return to the office to file paperwork is a time-consuming step that detracts from other duties. Technological advancements, particularly mobile options, provide a solution by enabling officers to significantly reduce filing time, as they can swiftly complete these tasks within their vehicles, ensuring greater efficiency and immediacy.
Lower Overall Costs
Traditional stationary police technology, although proficient in task execution, often incurs higher costs for procurement and updates when compared to mobile alternatives. Funds can be reallocated toward broader organizational initiatives by minimizing expenses related to outfitting every staff member with suitable equipment. Additionally, this approach could pave the way for a more equitable distribution of resources within the workforce.
Stronger Reporting
Throughout their shifts, police officers encounter a vast array of information, from direct incidents to broader observations and interviews with potential witnesses. Transferring this wealth of data to documentation systems poses a risk of losing critical details or pertinent data. Mobile technology addresses this challenge by facilitating more immediate reporting, allowing officers to capture and convey a comprehensive account of events, thus fostering stronger documentation and a more thorough understanding of complex situations.
Police Technology
Police technology has become vast and varied over a relatively short period of time, taking cues from advancements in other devices and digital innovations. Here are some of the most pertinent, including unique offerings directly from FSET:
- Mobile Data Terminal (MDT): This essential tool, situated within a police officer’s vehicle, offers a range of functionalities. Its multifaceted functionality includes establishing communication with dispatch, inputting GPS coordinates, and accessing various software applications vital for daily operations.
- ConnectedOfficer™: In conjunction with MDTs, FSET introduces ConnectedOfficer, a groundbreaking mobile-first solution. This innovative system harnesses the power of Samsung Galaxy devices to create a virtual desktop environment. Officers can efficiently execute diverse tasks and seamlessly access essential applications tailored to their operational needs by mirroring capabilities onto an external display.
- Private Community Cloud for Law Enforcement (PCCLE): FSET has also developed a cloud space specifically for law enforcement agencies. The PCCLE complies with strict policy requirements mandated by the Ontario Police Technology Information Cooperative (OPTIC), ensuring safe and secure data hosting and storage.
Risks of Innovative Technology In Law Enforcement
Security stands as a paramount concern throughout the integration of technology in policing. Unlike conventional devices or software, these systems necessitate a highly sophisticated operational environment to mitigate the risk of data breaches or information compromise.
- Data Security Breaches: With the increasing reliance on digital systems and interconnected networks, law enforcement agencies face heightened risks of data breaches. Malicious actors may exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information such as criminal records, investigative reports, and personal data.
- Ethical and Legal Concerns: Adopting innovative technologies, such as facial recognition software and predictive policing algorithms, presents significant ethical and legal dilemmas. These technologies have the potential to infringe upon civil liberties, perpetuate biases, and exacerbate racial profiling.
- Technological Dependence and System Failures: While innovative technologies promise to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in law enforcement operations, they also introduce a degree of dependency and susceptibility to system failures. Technical glitches, software bugs, or hardware malfunctions can disrupt critical functions, impeding emergency response times and hindering investigative processes.
Impact of Using Modern Police Technology
Modern police technology revolutionizes law enforcement practices by enhancing operational efficiency, improving situational awareness, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. It enables agencies to adapt to evolving threats and challenges in a rapidly changing world, ultimately enhancing public safety and trust in the criminal justice system. Here are a few examples of the advancements in technology that have impacted police agencies throughout Canada and the U.S.:
- In 1997, the U.S. allocated $1.29 billion to implement MDT and CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) systems. This figure was projected to increase to $2.59 billion by 2002. It is important to note that Canada lacks similar centralized funding programs. This requiries police departments to independently finance such equipment within their allocated budgets.
- Beginning in 2007, the Mesa Police Department collaborated with Motorola to establish a Digital Six Sigma process improvement team. This process improvement resulted in a 40% reduction in booking cycle times, improved dispatching protocols for numerous low-priority calls, and the introduction of innovative property disposition procedures.
- In the fiscal year 2014-2015, the RCMP initiated the Criminal Justice Information Modernization Project, which enabled police agencies to electronically update criminal records to establish a modern and efficient national repository of criminal record information.
- As of 2017, state and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) were deeply engaged with technology. With a staggering 96% integrated one or more of the 18 core technologies of interest, including car cameras and information-sharing platforms.
Final Thoughts
Technology integration in law enforcement has become increasingly prevalent, revolutionizing traditional practices and enhancing operational capabilities. Modern technologies offer agencies the tools to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen public safety efforts. From mobile data terminals and ConnectedOfficer solutions to digital process improvement initiatives. However, alongside the benefits come inherent risks, including data security breaches, ethical concerns, and technological dependence.
Nonetheless, with proactive measures and strategic planning, including having an experienced IT partner like FSET, law enforcement agencies can harness technology’s transformative potential while mitigating associated risks, ultimately advancing their mission to serve and protect communities effectively in the digital age.