Victoria Beach Police Service Sets New Standard for Small-Town Policing
For small municipal police services, the challenge of doing more with less is all too familiar. Limited resources, geographic isolation, and outdated technology can significantly impact an officer’s ability to serve and protect their community effectively. The Victoria Beach Police Service (VBPS) faced these exact challenges, until they decided to do something about it.
The Challenge: Isolation and Inefficiency
Located in a rural area, VBPS officers dealt with a frustrating reality: they had to drive 25 minutes to the nearest RCMP detachment just to access basic report systems. This meant officers were off the road and away from their community for hours at a time, unable to respond to calls or engage in proactive policing. Without proper digital tools, officers couldn’t access critical information in real-time, creating potential safety risks, especially for single-officer units.
Chief MacKinnon knew there had to be a better way. “Our officers were down for quite a few hours due to outdated processes,” he explains. “We needed technology that would allow them to do their jobs safely and efficiently, right from their patrol vehicles.”
The Solution: A Collaborative Approach to Digital Transformation
VBPS partnered with FSET to design and implement a comprehensive mobile technology solution that would bring their operations into the modern era. The project brought together industry leaders including Axon, Havis, and Cradlepoint to create an integrated system tailored to the unique needs of a small police service.
The technology deployment included Samsung DeX mobile data terminals in each patrol vehicle, providing officers with full computer functionality from their cruisers. The Axon Fleet 3 ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) system was integrated to provide both in-car camera capabilities and automated license plate recognition. The Connected Officer solution tied everything together, giving officers real-time access to databases, reporting systems, and critical information—all without leaving their vehicles.
FSET handled the system integration and NCACR (National Cybersecurity Alliance for Critical Infrastructure) document submission, ensuring the solution met all security and compliance requirements for law enforcement technology.
The Impact: More Time for What Matters Most
The transformation has been remarkable. Officers who once spent hours driving back and forth to file reports can now complete administrative tasks from their vehicles in minutes. This means more time for community engagement, proactive policing, and building relationships with residents.
“The safety aspect alone makes this invaluable,” says Chief MacKinnon. “Our officers now have instant access to the information they need to make informed decisions in the field. For single-officer units, that’s a game-changer.”
The integrated evidence capture capabilities mean that video footage and license plate data are automatically documented and stored, creating a comprehensive record that enhances both accountability and investigative capabilities.
Leading the Way for Small Police Services
Chief MacKinnon is proud that VBPS can serve as a model for other small municipal police services. “Most smaller services don’t have access to this level of technology,” he notes. “We’re excited to lead the charge and show what’s possible when you have the right partners and a commitment to modernization.”
The officers themselves are enthusiastic about the endless opportunities this technology provides for better serving their community. What was once a daily frustration has become a source of pride and a powerful tool for 21st-century policing.
A Partnership Model for the Future
The success of this project demonstrates what’s possible when technology partners work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to address real-world challenges. By understanding the unique needs of a small, geographically isolated police service, FSET and its partners created a solution that’s both powerful and practical.
For other small police services facing similar challenges, the Victoria Beach example proves that cutting-edge technology isn’t just for large urban departments. With the right partners and approach, even the smallest agencies can access tools that enhance officer safety, improve efficiency, and strengthen community policing.
To learn more about how FSET can help your organization modernize its technology infrastructure, contact us today.
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