Law enforcement plays a key role in helping to keep the communities they serve safe and secure. Policing technology has aided law enforcement professionals for decades with innovations including GPS tagging systems, body cameras and thermal imaging.
The introduction of law enforcement software and data-sharing solutions has also transformed the industry by delivering reliable software and systems used by local and state law enforcement agencies across the country.
The Move Towards New Technologies in Law Enforcement
Modern law enforcement agencies have the opportunity to use a wide range of technologies, many of which are not yet available to the public. One of the first technologies introduced to the law enforcement agency was the police radio in 1933.
Soon after, police began using radar detectors as a way to capture the speed of nearby vehicles. Over the last several decades, many new technologies have become commonplace in the law enforcement sector, such as in-car laptops and body cameras.
Today, there are many incredible technologies used by law enforcement to help manage data and keep communities safe. From drones and gunshot technology to license plate scanning and surveillance cameras, IT has revolutionized the industry.
Leading Technological Advances in Law Enforcement
Advances in technology are spreading across the law enforcement industry, providing police with the tools and resources they need to protect citizens and solve crimes. Some of the latest and biggest technological innovations to enter the law enforcement sector include:
1. Smart Devices
The use of smart devices across homes and businesses has skyrocketed over the last few years. Of course, these devices do not just help home and business owners, but also the police. Invaluable data from devices, such as video doorbells and surveillance cameras, store videos which are often used by law enforcement as evidence to fight crime.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) play a direct role in helping law enforcement to organize, store and manage information in a way that helps them prevent crime.
Law enforcement agencies often use databases filled with information about individuals, including background and criminal history. With artificial intelligence, law enforcement agencies can make strategic connections using these databases to improve investigations.
3. Robotics
While the law enforcement industry is not yet ready to bring robot cops onto the force, robotics still aid the police in many ways. Robotic technology is especially useful in dangerous situations, such as during the disposal of suspicious packages, bombs or other items deemed high risk.
4. Electronic Monitoring Systems
While house arrest has been around for decades, the technology used to monitor these systems has changed dramatically over time. When a criminal is prosecuted for a minor offense, the use of electronic monitoring systems allows them to receive a suitable punishment while remaining at home.
Modern electronic monitoring systems subject these individuals to constant surveillance using GPS monitoring, visual and audio recording and other technologies.
5. Cloud Computing
Law enforcement agencies use cloud computing to help store and manage large amounts of data, such as fingerprints, photographs, video footage and police reports. Cloud computing technology enables law enforcement professionals to effectively collect data and perform useful crime analysis.
With this type of technology, law enforcement can more easily connect with different departments to create a centralized criminal justice database that provides up-to-date and insightful information that aids in the decision-making process.
6. Dash and Body Cameras
The law enforcement industry has worked hard to develop tools and solutions for better officer protection. Some of the most popular tools used for this purpose include dash and body cameras.
Dash cameras are secured to each officer’s police vehicle to record incidents that may occur in front of the vehicle. Officers also wear body cameras to get recordings of interactions and incidents that may occur while on the scene of a crime.
7. Law Enforcement Software Solutions
Gaining access to custom law enforcement software solutions can make a significant difference in the outcome of an investigation. The right software can help police facilitate secure information sharing and break down communication barriers between agencies and departments. Software solutions such as police background check software and police database software provide officers with direct access to a wealth of information.
Modern law enforcement applications are typically delivered as a service, a technology known as software-as-a-service (SaaS). With SaaS, law enforcement professionals can access applications over a secure telecommunications infrastructure rather than having to install and maintain the software. This results in a range of advantages, such as lower costs, included hardware and software upgrades and greater end-user transparency.
Schedule a Consultation with CPI OpenFox to Find out More
The unique software solutions available from CPI OpenFox were developed with the specific needs of law enforcement departments in mind. To learn more about the innovative OpenFox suite of enterprise-grade law enforcement software, schedule a consultation online or call CPI at (630) 547-3088.
