The Vermont Department of Public Safety is now the eighteenth (18th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for its OpenFox Message Switch environment. Vermont moved its OpenFox system source data from its previous location in Waterbury, VT, to the CJIS-compliant SOC2 audited OpenFox Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL. By relocating…
The justice system increasingly relies on digital evidence to prosecute and defend cases. From CCTV and Body Worn Video, mobile phone videos and photos, social media posts, and web capture, this type of evidence can be pivotal in determining the outcome of legal proceedings. However, the rise of digital disinformation, deepfake, and shallowfake poses significant…
CPI has deployed a new Missing Persons Clearinghouse solution for the Idaho State Police. The OpenFox® Missing Persons Clearinghouse System manages records of missing and unidentified persons. This solution allows authorized users to edit fields, generate reports, and view statistics related to Clearinghouse records. Below is an outline of the implementation process for new security…
The New Hampshire Department of Safety is now the seventeenth (17th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox Message Switch environment. New Hampshire moved its OpenFox system source data from its previous location in Concord, NH to the CJIS-compliant SOC2 audited OpenFox Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL. By…
In this article, we look in depth at emerging technologies that can help the SIU (Special Investigation Unit) community to manage more with less and capture back some work-life balance. In today’s world, it really does seem as if the bad guys have all the best lines, as they say in the movies. They certainly…
CPI systems remained fully functional throughout the CrowdStrike-induced Windows and Azure outage. This issue caused Windows users worldwide to experience the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, which resulted in sudden system shutdowns or restarts. Critical systems, including 911, air travel, and hospital systems worldwide relying on Windows servers and commercial cloud providers, were all…
As reported in a recent Washington Post article (AI is destabilizing ‘the concept of truth itself’ in 2024 election) we have already seen instances this year where people are dismissing media accusations by suggesting it’s fabricated. This response may not have been possible a few years ago, but now, with the power of deepfake and…
With Artificial Intelligence’s ever-increasing use and capability, the phenomenon of ‘deepfakes’ has become an increasingly prominent and, at times, controversial topic. As we enter 2024, the world grapples with the complex implications of deepfake technology and data manipulation. This article aims to shed light on deepfakes, chart their growth, explore their impact on society, and…
We are excited to share the news that CPI OpenFox has successfully upgraded the Nlets interface of the Wisconsin Department of Justice to meet the Nlets XML standards. This remarkable achievement brings Wisconsin closer to fulfilling the Nlets mandate of phasing out outdated, non-standard, dot-delimited text formats. Our team has diligently worked on converting the…
In November, CPI took a significant leap forward in the N3G pilot by implementing the N3G Missing File project to production for the West Virginia State Police. This achievement marks another important milestone in our journey. Previously, in September, we successfully deployed the first rollout of the N3G Foundational Code in West Virginia. This accomplishment…
Barack Obama is one of the most photographed humans alive on Earth. Although this level of publicity is expected when governing the United States, this has made Obama an easy target for deepfake attacks due to the sheer amount of visual and audio data in the public domain. Starting his two-term presidency in 2008, Obama…
We are thrilled to announce that CPI OpenFox has successfully upgraded the interface between the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the OpenFox® Message Switch. In its place, we have implemented a cutting-edge Web Service interface that utilizes the Nlets National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) standardized Extensible Markup Language (XML). This upgrade will greatly…
There is no effect without a cause, and it’s been expected that with budget cuts and staff shortages in US law enforcement, prices will be paid for those left to pick up the pieces. If you have been reading our recent articles on police overtime and staff shortages, you will know that this has become…
We are thrilled to announce that CPI OpenFox has successfully upgraded the Nlets interface of the Michigan State Police (MSP) to comply with Nlets XML standards.
CPI showcased its formidable resources and impressive multitasking abilities this week by simultaneously completing three cutting-edge projects in three states. The projects involved Rhode Island, Oklahoma, and Maine were seamlessly integrated into production before lunchtime on Tuesday, August 29th. First on the list was the Rhode Island Password Expiration & Reset Project. CPI elevated the…
With technology growing smarter by the minute, criminals are using this to find new and innovative ways to cover their tracks. Fortunately, modern law enforcement has access to cutting-edge software designed to streamline investigations and maintain public safety. From police background check software to comprehensive database solutions, law enforcement software enables police to optimize their…
Throughout history, fingerprints have been used for identification purchases. Some of the earliest uses of fingerprinting date back to 1000 BC when fingerprints were used in place of signatures on official documents in places including China, Babylon, Persia, and Nova Scotia. After many centuries, fingerprinting has evolved to live scan fingerprinting, a law enforcement software…
Despite all of the benefits of rapid advances in modern technology, they have also put individuals and businesses across the country at risk. Even with leading antivirus law enforcement software in place, no one is safe from online hackers. According to a 2022 Official Cybercrime Report, the cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $8…
Police departments nationwide are turning to new and improved law enforcement technologies to streamline operations and protect their communities. Law enforcement software is designed to improve policing practices, reduce human error, and build community trust by enhancing public safety and security. With modern law enforcement agencies under pressure to produce speedy responses to suspicious events,…
When Mea: Connexus was originally designed, the objective was to create a remote video interview platform that would reduce the length of investigations whilst increasing confidence in the evidential material. To ensure that teams of investigators can transition from physical to virtual meetings, we integrated features that would benefit the investigators, staff, and end users….
The number of sex offenders across the United States continues to rise, increasing three percent from 2022 to February 2023, for a current total of 786,838 offenders, according to SafeHome.org. The names and locations of these individuals can be found in the National Sex Offender Registry, which connects users with sex offender registries for all…
While facial recognition may seem to be a fairly new discovery, it has actually been around since the 1960s. Between 1964 and 1966, a research team led by Woodrow Bledsoe performed a series of experiments to determine if programmed computers could recognize human faces. Over the last several decades, facial recognition technology has greatly evolved,…
The newly upgraded Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) Nlets interface now fully complies with Nlets XML standards. Converted from the legacy text formats to standard XML formats. This effort includes the conversion of all Nlets conformant transactions to the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) XML schemas provided by Nlets. CPI is deploying the solution…
Forensic fingerprinting analysis has been used by law enforcement for more than a century. This important form of police technology plays a critical role in criminal investigations and can be used to confirm or disapprove a suspect’s identity. Fingerprints can also be used to link one crime scene to another that involves the same person….
Contemplating a career in law enforcement? A career in law enforcement can be highly rewarding, enabling individuals to make an impact in their communities, earn a great salary and potentially save lives. There is also ample room for career advancement and jobs in this sector are available in nearly every city across the country. Before…
Following on from our latest article, where we dove into the police shortage crisis in the USA, a recent news report by the San Francisco Chronicle details an additional $25 million is required to fund police overtime. Proposed by the mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, this request comes amidst alarm by residents for their…
Each year in the United States, an estimated 460,000 children are reported missing, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fortunately, 99.8 percent of these missing children come home alive and well. Spreading awareness about child abduction is critical to reducing the number of missing child cases in the U.S. National Missing Children’s Day is…
Law enforcement careers in the United States can be highly rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 68,500 openings for police officers and detectives are projected each year between 2021 and 2031, with a total growth of three percent over the decade. The law enforcement industry offers a wide range of opportunities…
Traditionally, fingerprinting was performed using an ink method which involved pressing each finger pad in ink and then rolling them onto a fingerprint card. Advances in technology have allowed many organizations to forgo traditional ink fingerprinting in favor of live scan fingerprinting. Live scanning involves capturing a person’s fingerprints electronically and saving them digitally. Digital…
Technology continues to transform the way that law enforcement agencies across the country operate. From innovative tools to fight crime to cutting-edge police software, the latest technologies have the power to identify crime patterns, streamline investigations and assist in the swift apprehension of criminals. In 2023, law enforcement organizations will continue to seek out the…
The writing has been on the wall for some time, but the latest news articles concerning US law enforcement are not about defunding but about staff shortages that we haven’t seen for some time. National Public Radio (NPR) reports, ‘ Police didn’t get defunded, but many large departments are shrinking.’ Although incidents in 2020 may…
Successful government and law enforcement operations rely heavily on data-sharing capabilities. Data sharing is the important process of making the same data resources available to multiple users, applications or organizations. This data can originate from various software applications an organization may use during its normal course of business, from background checks to arrest records. While…
The number of records involved in government data breaches continues to climb. According to a recent report by Comparitech, the average number of government records affected per branch increased from 17,400 in 2019 to 42,097 in 2020. In 2022, this number exceeded 71,000. No law enforcement agency or police department is immune to the effects…
Law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to expand or maintain their operations due to a lack of funding. While local police departments receive funding through a variety of revenue streams, such as public funds, fines and fees, private donations, and forfeitures, many departments continue to feel the limits of their operational budgets. Fortunately,…
More than 3.6 million cases of child abuse are reported each year in the United States, according to the Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center. Research also found that neglected and abused children are 11 times more likely to engage in criminal activities as adults. Each April, people from across the country come together to raise…
The software development industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Over the last few years, the software sector has seen many changes and updates, ranging from the use of open-source software to the move to outsourcing models. The upcoming months are expected to bring new trends and innovations to the industry that will help…
Police departments and other law enforcement agencies across the country depend on national crime information systems to gain access to the most up-to-date information. These systems are made up of criminal records databases that enable criminal justice agencies to search for information regarding wanted persons, stolen property and various other police matters. The FBI Criminal…
Each year, there are dozens of law enforcement expos, conferences and trade shows held across the country. These events provide law enforcement professionals with the opportunity to explore recent advancements in police technologies, learn from seasoned officers, and network with a wide range of people, such as police, sheriffs, federal agencies, K-9 units and more….
Today, women are considered integral members of law enforcement in agencies and departments across the U.S. and globally. However, this was not always the case; in centuries past, law enforcement mostly consisted of men. Although the occasional woman strived to enter law enforcement, they were often segregated into gendered roles, such as clerical or social…
CPI recently cut to production our 12th deployment of Desktop 4.0 to the OpenFox System for the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS). The deployment also included an upgrade to Configurator 7.5. Desktop 4.0 is the latest version of the GUI (graphic user interface), or what the clients use to access the various OpenFox Products….
Many people use voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri on a daily basis. With a simple voice command, this intelligent software can read the news, play music, control electronic devices and carry out many other tasks. While some aspects of voice recognition technology have already been introduced to the law enforcement industry, this technology…
February is dedicated to Black History Month and is officially celebrated in the U.S., Canada, and more recently, in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Black History Month pays tribute to the generations of African Americans who reached many great accomplishments despite their struggles with adversity. While there have been countless black leaders in all industries,…
February is Black History Month, a celebration of the history and achievements of African Americans. Shining a light on Black history is important to better understand our progress and struggles as a nation, as well as to grow stronger and achieve aspirations. During Black History Month, many police departments take time to remember the inspirational…
Cybercrimes can have devastating consequences for any business, especially law enforcement departments that are ill-prepared. According to a survey of 1,122 small business owners and managers, 42 percent experienced a cyberattack in the last year and 69 percent are concerned about cyberattacks in the next year. Today, more than ever before, law enforcement relies on…
Law enforcement has become a major target for cybercriminals in recent years. According to TechRepublic, there are roughly 18,000 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. These agencies are responsible for receiving, sending and storing large amounts of sensitive data that cybercriminals could potentially sell or hold for ransom. While modern…
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is now the fifteenth (15th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox Message Switch environment. NCIS has moved its OpenFox system source data from the system’s previous location in Quantico, VA, to the CPI OpenFox Tier-III+ Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL. By relocating…
New technology has transformed the law enforcement industry and the criminal justice system as a whole. Today, police and other law enforcement officials rely on a wide range of technologies to enforce laws and stop crime in a safe and efficient manner. From license plate readers and gunshot detection systems, to camera drones and thermal…
Records management systems (RMS) are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to efficiently store, retain, retrieve, view and achieve records, files and information pertaining to daily law enforcement operations. This innovative software solution contains useful tools that help automate critical processes and improve the outcome of criminal investigations. Before investing in a new or updated…
Criminal records are commonly used by federal, state and local agencies to support criminal operations and confirm information when issuing background checks, employment screenings, firearm purchases and similar needs for both private and public organizations. Computerized criminal history (CCH) systems are available in many states across the U.S. and are designed to increase public safety…
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) is now the fourteenth (14th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox Message Switch environment. DCJIS has moved its OpenFox system source data from the system’s previous location in Chelsea, MA to the CPI OpenFox Tier-III+ Data Center in Bolingbrook,…
Police and law enforcement at all levels leverage technology to help detect and solve crimes. There are many different types of software that agencies can use to prevent criminal activities and improve public safety. Some of the most common types of software used by police and law enforcement include: 1. Data & Information Sharing Software…
law enforcement agencies commonly use criminal history record information (CHRI) for operational purposes within the U.S. criminal justice system. With data analytics, police and law enforcement agencies across the country can easily input data from crime scenes into highly accessible databases. This information can later be used to find connections between cases, formulate evidence and…
Policing agencies are finding new ways to stay ahead of criminals by taking advantage of emerging technologies. Innovative software applications are transforming the way that law enforcement officials approach criminal investigations and carry out their day-to-day duties. With access to a wealth of data and IT tools, officers can better prepare for dangerous situations and…
Technology is evolving at a rapid speed and the resourcefulness of criminals along with it. To fight back against crime in a digital world, law enforcement must adopt new tools and equipment that keep pace with technological advancements. The use of cutting-edge tracking systems, software and other technologies has made a significant difference in the…
Crime rates in the United States continue to rise steadily. According to a recent report published by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, there was a total of 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2019, as well as 379.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Offenders put others at risk for serious injuries or financial losses…
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…
The law enforcement software market is growing at a steady rate and according to a 2022 Allied Market Research report, the global law enforcement software market acquired a value of $13.6 billion in 2021. By the year 2031, the market is expected to reach more than $30.6 billion. This means the market will grow at…
CPI has enhanced OpenFox Computerized Criminal History (CCH) and OpenFox HotFiles (HFS) transactions by creating an interface with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Firearms Prohibited Persons Database (FPPD). The interface greatly improves data sharing between the entities. CPI provided a one-time initial extract of the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) and Hotfiles (HFS) data. When…
Leadership plays a critical role in the law enforcement industry. Great leaders possess the skills, knowledge and ability to inspire those around them. They demonstrate authority in high-pressure situations and exhibit a positive attitude to foster a productive work environment where all team members can be open, honest and motivated. Becoming a law enforcement leader…
Law enforcement has always maintained a position at the forefront of modern technology. Agencies at all levels continue to invest in the latest software and systems in an attempt to better serve their communities and protect the public. Having access to the right types of programs and features can make a significant difference. Here are…
Law enforcement agencies have long collected data about individuals, from warrants and arrest records to criminal reports and personal background information. With law enforcement having a wealth of information available at their fingertips, many people worry about their privacy. Data collection and surveillance have caused ongoing tension between the police and the communities they serve….
New technologies are helping law enforcement agencies remain one step ahead of criminals by providing officials with new ways to detect and prevent crimes. Public safety has improved significantly over the last decade as police gain the tools necessary to solve a range of common challenges that plague departments across the United States. From staffing…
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is now the thirteenth (13th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox Message Switch environment. OSBI has moved its OpenFox system source data from the system’s previous location in Oklahoma City, IL to the CPI OpenFox Tier-III+ Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL….
Police software innovations are giving law enforcement the tools necessary to better fight crime and protect their communities. From background check software to police database, the right software suite has the power to transform the way that law enforcement officials do their job. Not all software solutions are comparable; an agency should choose a software…
CPI recently upgraded the OpenFox Message Switch for the Maine State Police to Configurator version 7.5. Configurator 7.5 provides all the latest Configurator features and gives an enhanced ability to configure and manage Message Keys, Stations, Users, Code Lists, Vehicle Codes, Security Roles, Agencies, Watch Dog, Computer, and Licenses. Maine becomes CPI’s 8th client to…
Effective data sharing is the foundation of successful law enforcement. Officers must be able to access the appropriate information in a timely manner to ensure that cases are handled to the best of their ability. Investigators and police officers are tasked with searching through massive quantities of data in their day-to-day operations. Proper data sharing…
Section 5.6.2.2 of the CJIS Security Policy requires agencies to use Advanced Authentication when accessing CJI from a non-secure location. Keeping with CJIS compliance, CPI has implemented Soft Tokens v1.0 for the Iowa Department of Public Safety. CPI enhanced the existing OpenFox advanced authentication method to work with CPI-generated Google Authenticator soft tokens. CPI modified…
CPI recently upgraded the OpenFox Message Switch for the New Hampshire State Police to Configurator version 7.5. Configurator 7.5 provides all the latest Configurator features and gives an enhanced ability to configure and manage Message Keys, Stations, Users, Code Lists, Vehicle Codes, Security Roles, Agencies, Watch Dog, Computer, and Licenses. New Hampshire becomes CPI’s 7th…
Blue Alert is designed to increase officer safety and more quickly apprehend violent criminals who seriously injure or kill local, state or federal law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The National Blue Alert Network is used throughout the United States to alert the media and the public when a law enforcement officer has…
Law enforcement agencies at local, state and federal levels require sophisticated information technology (IT) capabilities to support their complex operations. Police operations depend heavily on computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, records management systems (RMSs) and other technologies designed to improve information-sharing, streamline reporting and give officers a strategic advantage in the field. The amount of data…
Law enforcement agencies and other public safety organizations have collectively sworn to protect their communities. Police departments rely heavily on innovative software solutions to help streamline daily processes, optimize information sharing and sustain a more intelligent workflow. Access to the right technology can make a significant difference in the lives of public safety officials and…
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) is now the twelfth (12th) customer to implement the OpenFox® Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox Message Switch environment. HCJDC has moved its OpenFox system source data from the system’s previous location in Honolulu, HI to the CPI OpenFox Tier-III+ Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL. By…
When it comes to software deployment, law enforcement agencies now have two main options: on-premise software and cloud computing. Over the past decade, countless agencies have made the move from on-premise solutions to cloud delivery models. In fact, cloud services grew 18.4 percent in 2021 to a total of $304.9 billion, up from $257.5 billion,…
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has quickly become a widely used software licensing and delivery model. The cloud provider is responsible for hosting applications and making them available to users over the internet. This includes more tedious and time-consuming tasks including installation, updating and general maintenance. Police departments across the country are now making the move towards SaaS…
CPI implemented a Fennec Broker-based solution that utilizes the OpenFox Message Switch and an aggregator to query the Arizona HotFiles, Criminal History, Law Enforcement Judicial Information System (“LEJIS”), and Sex Offender data repositories to provide users with consolidated responses. The Arizona Offender Based Tracking System (OBTS) provides a central index of offenders with records in…
CPI OpenFox and Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) have successfully deployed the OpenFox Criminal History Application (CHA) including CPI’s Internet Records Access Portal product (iRAP) for agency background check tracking. The project replaced the legacy Philadelphia Criminal History database and user applications that served the PPD and the city of Philadelphia. PPD is now the eleventh…
CPI has upgraded the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) OpenFox Desktop to include a new module known as a Terminal Control Report. The new reporting module pulls together agency and station data into a single report that displays information from multiple fields configured by the TXDPS. The critical component is that the reporting module…
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has become commonplace in law enforcement as more agencies choose to adopt this technology as part of their fight against crime. According to a survey conducted by Crime Tech Solutions, 56 percent of law enforcement agencies reported that they currently use SaaS or hosted software for CAD, RMS, criminal intelligence, case management, or…
CPI OpenFox implemented changes to the Hot Files (HFS) database (DB) Missing Person files to include Tribal Affiliation for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to document and track missing persons with tribal affiliations. Here is a high-level summary of the Scope of Work that CPI performed for this project: Added a field for…
Cloud computing offers a widely accessible, reliable, safe and inexpensive solution for law enforcement departments. Modern police work now involves a significant volume of electronic data derived from surveillance systems, social media and personal computers and cell phones. The ability to transfer information from these devices is critical for providing comprehensive insight into an investigation….
Vermont Department of Public Safety is now the tenth (10th) CPI customer to implement OpenFox Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for their OpenFox applications. Vermont DPS now has OpenFox Archive v3 application running in the CPI OpenFox Tier-III+ Data Center in Bolingbrook, IL. The Vermont OpenFox Message Switch and other CPI applications will soon…
CPI has built a replicated Computerized Criminal History (CCH) on-premise database for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The project included the design, configuration, testing, and implementation of the replicated SQL CCH database and associated services. CPI set up and configured SQL Server Replication in transactional mode. This technology updates the data in the Reporting…
Innovations in technology have helped law enforcement agencies across the country more effectively enforce laws, manage public safety and maintain crime-free communities. Law enforcement software has contributed to more informed and knowledgeable officers who spend less time performing manual tasks and more time preparing for, preventing and responding to threats. Types Of Law Enforcement Software…
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, such as servers, databases, storage, analytics, software, networking and intelligence. This on-demand access to computing resources is available over the internet and charged via pay-as-you-go pricing. Law enforcement officials across the country are using the cloud for a variety of functions, such as data backup and…
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has become a popular form of software licensing, allowing users access to software that is paid on a subscription basis. In the law enforcement industry, more agencies and departments are now motivated to try cloud computing to increase flexibility, reduce costs and enhance security. Most law enforcement organizations already have the IT infrastructure…
CPI developed and implemented a web page that allows authorized New Hampshire State Police users the ability to manage their security questions and reset their own passwords. Scope of Work CPI OpenFox created new graphical user interface (GUI) screens and modified the OpenFox Message Switching applications to support the specified user functionality. The new password…
Public safety organizations commonly rely on law enforcement software to aid in investigations, track cases and manage legal documentation. There are many types of law enforcement software that police departments and other agencies use daily, such as background check software, case management software, citation software, database software, investigation software and reporting software. With these technologies,…
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a popular method of software delivery allowing the access of data using any web browser or internet connection on any device. With this web-based model, software vendors are responsible for hosting and maintaining the code, servers and databases that make up the application. In recent years, SaaS has become mainstream. According to…
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) hosting is a type of web hosting service where the SaaS files and software of an organization are stored on a hosting provider’s servers instead of on their own servers. This type of hosting service can be highly beneficial to businesses that develop software; with SaaS hosting, the customers of that business can…
Communities across the country rely on law enforcement to keep them safe and protected. One way that officers accomplish this immense task is by leveraging law enforcement software. Law enforcement software is commonly used by police departments and public safety organizations to keep track of and manage legal documentation, cases and investigations. A law enforcement…
Communities across the country rely on law enforcement to keep them safe and protected. One way that officers accomplish this immense task is by leveraging law enforcement software. Law enforcement software is commonly used by police departments and public safety organizations to keep track of and manage legal documentation, cases and investigations. A law enforcement records management system (RMS) serves as an essential information hub for police officers, dispatchers, investigators and other law enforcement professionals.
With so much information available regarding law enforcement software, it can be difficult to distinguish the facts from incorrect information. Before selecting the software for a department or agency, it is important to debunk law enforcement software myths.
One of the most common misconceptions about law enforcement software is that it is not user-friendly. This problem is typically caused by the existing legacy software that is outdated or obsolete. Older software may be difficult to use and may not communicate well with other data systems.
Modern law enforcement software is designed as a centralized system that puts all of the data of the agency or department in one place. The latest RMS technology is built for high efficiency and performance, allowing law enforcement officials to find the data they need quickly and with as few steps as possible.
It is a myth that all law enforcement software is difficult and time-consuming to integrate and set up. Many law enforcement software solutions can be integrated quickly to ensure minimal downtime. The right law enforcement software can easily integrate with existing systems to create one unified and customizable system that is specifically tailored to the needs of the organization.
Modern law enforcement software allows officials to gain more complete access to their data. With data synchronization capabilities, departments and agencies can access the most up-to-date information. Compiling all data, such as names, photos and field reports, into a single database also enhances decision-making and enables officers to communicate with one another easily.
Some level of training is necessary when adopting any new software or technology into an organization. However, there is a myth that law enforcement software requires a great deal of training compared to other technologies. Choosing the right software solution for an agency or department is key to ensuring that minimal time is required for training and education purposes.
The right law enforcement software will be easy to learn and use, allowing officials to understand the program quickly. It is also important to choose a provider that offers round-the-clock technical assistance. If something goes wrong or a user has an IT-related question about the software, the agency can reach the provider quickly to resolve any questions or concerns.
In decades past, law enforcement software was new and therefore a costly expenditure. Due to recent advancements in technology, any law enforcement agency or department can acquire quality software solutions without going over budget. This is especially true for law enforcement organizations that choose to implement software-as-a-service (SaaS) models.
With SaaS, organizations only pay for what they need. There are no hidden costs and agencies can easily add on new tools and features as needed. This type of cloud-based system has transformed the law enforcement industry by enabling organizations to achieve end-user transparency and affordable costs. With SaaS, all software, hardware and system management are included.
While it is not completely possible to determine if or when a crime will happen, police can get a general idea of where and when crimes may occur based on information found on their law enforcement software. Advanced reporting and analytics make it possible for law enforcement professionals to identify potential crime patterns that pinpoint the times and places of possible crimes.
While many software solutions are capable of compiling information, not all offer the same features and functionalities. The right law enforcement software can save police considerable time by streamlining time-consuming processes. These software solutions can also save law enforcement money by not having to hire third-party companies to help analyze data.
Public safety organizations are under immense pressure to keep up with today’s emerging IT trends, including the use of law enforcement software. However, there are common myths that surround these technologies that can put doubt in the mind of law enforcement agencies and departments. Before selecting a software solution, it is important to debunk these myths and gain a solid understanding of the features, tools and functions available with each software system.
CPI OpenFox delivers innovative law enforcement software and data-sharing solutions to the law enforcement industry. These software solutions consist of enterprise-grade programs that help streamline workflows and optimize important processes. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the experts at CPI OpenFox today.
0