In today’s modern era of technology, we have been provided the capability to be connected more than ever before. Law enforcement has been given the opportunity to enhance public safety and increase community collaboration when pursuing crime mitigation. In this article, we will discuss how city infrastructure and law enforcement can benefit from new technology and power improved public safety initiatives.
Intelligence Paves the Way
Intelligence supports public safety efforts. In this case, the more immediate the data, the more effective it can be.
The most powerful source of data is of course the community, and community members.That in turn enables public safety officers maintain awareness through community networking
Much of this work is now driven by new video to real-time crime centers enabling dispatchers and officers in the field to operate more effectively. This ability to rely on community networks that help mitigate criminal activity is evolving and investigators calls for service. The future of policing will be more reliant on real-time data gathered from a variety of sources, all pulled together into a central hub.
Start By Networking Within the Existing Infrastructure
Let’s start with an example. Automated license plate readers, traffic cameras, and private security cameras are all basic security technologies that have been around for many years. While these devices have made an impact on public safety and security, to date they have mostly operated in their own silos.
However, by breaking down silos and bringing these technologies into a common platform, they will be vastly more effective. In the case of a shooting, security cameras from the scene, the ability to track license plate hits, and search across a network of cameras allows investigators to quickly locate the suspect’s vehicle. The key here is to also have community cameras involved in the search, as that will increase search coverage immensely.
Utilizing Mobile Applications
Mobile phone applications is another way that technology can help bridge the gap between civilians and law enforcement. There are a number of apps designed specifically for public safety, and when connected to a networked real-time crime center platform, can be highly effective.
Mobile apps that enable community users to send in tips or activate panic alerts can be extremely useful. Also, offering officers the ability to receive video and pictures from the operations center directly to their phones increases the efficiency of their daily operations.
Choosing The Right Platform
Having reviewed a number of real-time crime center platforms, the one that really stands out is Fusus. Based on my research, it is one of the best platforms currently available to law enforcement agencies that enables easy networking of community and law enforcement infrastructure.
The Fusus platform is used by the real-time crime centers in 75+ cities in the United States, including Cleveland, Orlando, Minneapolis, Miami and Honolulu. What makes the Fusus platform uniquely effective is its ability to pull in existing public and private cameras, gunfire detectors, ALPRS, and other public safety utilities and network them all together. The Fusus platform ties all of these sources directly to the CAD system, making the job of dispatchers and supervisors much easier. They also utilize AI and a number of other advanced applications designed to help law enforcement agencies get the most out of partnerships with their communities.
For community users, the Fusus TIPS mobile app allows civilians to text an anonymous tip to their local police department while also allowing multi-media like pictures and video to be easily uploaded. With the growing number of smartphone users every day, this is an excellent way to help bridge the communication gap. Fusus also offers a panic alert app that can send in a live alert to an RTCC, send a live steam of cameras in the vicinity, and even geolocate units responding to the call.
Fusus also has a number of other functions that can be seen on their website (www.fusus.com).
Using Technology To Gain An Advantage
Law enforcement agencies can and should take advantage of the technological capabilities that are often set up in strategic locations throughout their respective communities. By implementing the use of real-time security footage, officers can gain insight into a call/case simultaneously which will help them utilize all platforms available to help keep their city safe.
It is important to note the connection between the need to increase technology while aiming to increase public safety overall. Law enforcement and cities’ alike can use specific intelligence to better their community. Technology can be used in a multitude of ways by providing supplementary data that can help law enforcement in their ongoing crime mitigation efforts.
Deploying advanced technology not have to be a challenge, nor does it need to be secret. By utilizing new tools and platforms available, law enforcement can also increase their transparency with the public which leads to increased community collaboration. It also provides officers with direct insight into a situation so they may be prepared for the call, which in turn strengthens their own safety.
At the end of the day, the main goal for any law enforcement entity is to help keep their community safe. The more tools that can be used to accomplish this goal, the better the outcome for all within the community. With the constant evolution of applications and other advanced technological platforms, this can now be made possible.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
