Safety and justice are top priorities for law enforcement agencies across the United States. By working together with the aid of innovative police software, law enforcement officials can effectively enforce laws and maintain public safety. One of the biggest decisions that law enforcement offices must make to keep their communities safe pertains to police software upgrades. Modern law enforcement technology is quickly transforming the field and agencies must keep pace to avoid the drawbacks of legacy software and meet new challenges in law enforcement.
Available and Emerging Software in Law Enforcement
Even the best policing strategies have their limitations. The future of law enforcement is reliant on digital tools and functionalities that help streamline operations and store information in a way that can be accessed within seconds. Of course, law enforcement agencies also need the right people to leverage these technologies. Officers will need to understand how to properly use the technology and mitigate potential threats, such as cybersecurity risks.
Here is a look at some available and emerging software in the law enforcement field:
1. Background Check Software
Background check software is one of the most commonly used tools by law enforcement agencies. A background check can reveal a wide array of information, such as court records, police arrests, sex offenses, convictions, incarceration history and warrants. It can also be used to validate social security numbers, check sex offender registries and assess driving records.
2. Citation Software
Law enforcement officers use citation software to enter and maintain traffic citation data into a digital database where it can be easily accessed. This type of software is designed to help automate the citation process and eliminate the need to enter handwritten tickets into the court system.
3. Facial Recognition Software
While facial recognition software is not new, the technology has advanced considerably in recent years. Today, it is commonly used by police departments to search for, or validate, identities. It is also used during routine traffic stops on individuals that may fail to produce identification.
4. Case Management Software
With case management software, law enforcement officers can effectively analyze crime cases and deliver end-to-end solutions. This type of software is equipped with a wide range of features and functions to streamline workflows, compile case data, record incidents and upload documents.
5. Investigative Software
Investigation software can be used to aid law enforcement agencies with better time management, easier access to files and faster overall case resolution. This type of software can contain an array of solutions, such as crime scene scanners, police case management software and data sharing applications.
6. Reporting Software
Law enforcement agencies often use reporting software in field reporting as it can be used to easily search federal and local databases, as well as print arrest tickets. Reporting software helps eliminate manual tasks, including handwriting police reports, and can minimize the duplication of data.
7. Database Software
Police officers rely on information obtained from many sources to aid in investigations and cases. Database software provides officers with a centralized storage place where information can be easily accessed. Database software is commonly used to record and track incidents to aid in past, present or future cases.
8. Scheduling Software
Law enforcement officers must adhere to a strict schedule to ensure that no details of their job duties are overlooked. Scheduling software can help keep the workforce schedule up-to-date and easily accessible. It can be used to streamline employee scheduling and ensure that the right individuals arrive on time to perform their duties.
When Should Law Enforcement Update Police Software?
Many law enforcement officers become comfortable using a particular piece of software and may be resistant to change. However, failure to upgrade police software can put the community at risk. There are several signs that could indicate a software upgrade is needed, including the following:
- The agency has outgrown the software. Small departments may grow over time and the current software may not be adequate to handle this increase in traffic.
- The software runs slow. Most software is built with limitations and once these limitations are reached, the system can start to slow down.
- The software has surpassed its lifespan. End-of-life software is a common issue that refers to software that is no longer supported by the manufacturer.
- The agency is missing out on key features. New software may offer innovative features or tools that the current software does not offer.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn About CPI OpenFox
The use of new and upgraded police software can have countless advantages for modern law enforcement agencies. At CPI, law enforcement agencies can gain access to innovative law enforcement software solutions that push the limit of technology to deliver highly optimized, reliable and secure law enforcement software systems. Contact CPI today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
