‘Do More with Less’ has become the mantra for agencies trying to balance increasing demands on public safety with staff and resource shortages.

So, what tools and procedures are agencies using to streamline work for their officers?

Based on 10+ years of analyzing best practices across law enforcement, we found that the most efficient agencies deploy these six tactics:

1. Ensure Information captured once never has to be re-entered:
A connected system that synchronizes data across departments is the perhaps the most important step for agencies looking to streamline operations. This not only saves agencies a tremendous amount of time by eliminating the need for duplicate data entry, it also keeps officers and staff better informed.

With a connected platform that brings together CAD, RMS & JMS on a single system, information entered in one program can be searched and used across other departments. For example, officers can create a report from a CAD call with just a click, and data & charges from arrest reports auto-populate information required for jail bookings. No need to re-enter data!

2. Use information that already exists anywhere to complete paperwork with maximum efficiency:
The average LEO spends 6+ hours keeping up with reports & other paperwork. That reporting time can be cut by 50-75% when officers have the ability to:

• Use DMV records to auto-populate person and vehicle information
• Automatically attach NCIC records from built-in NCIC lookup within RMS
• Use existing records, CAD data, etc. to auto-fill report information
• Create multiple reports, PC, warrants & summons from a single record

With these time-saving features, reports that used to take an hour now take under 15 minutes to complete.

3. Streamline operations with Mobile Devices, Scanning, & Image Recognition:
The ability to access information instantly at the scene and close reports on a smartphone is a game changer in public safety. Using smartphones and mobile handhelds, officers can capture data and complete tasks without sitting behind an MDT or office PC – and often without typing at all.

With mobile RMS apps, for example, LEOs can dictate reports with voice-to-text, capture photos, and scan driver’s licenses with their smartphone. Jail staff can use mobile devices with RFID tags to quickly log inmate transports and cell checks. First responders can receive real-time CAD alerts and updates on their phone. These are just a few examples of how agencies can use mobile apps today, and the uses will continue to grow.

As agencies recruit the next generation of officers, the ability to use smart phones to complete tasks won’t just be a time-saver, it will be expected. To stay competitive, agencies will need to ensure their systems can leverage mobile devices.

4. Simplify training and processes with Artificial Intelligence, Apps and Cloud:
The technology we use in our personal lives has become so user-friendly that it generally requires no training or complicated processes. Now, with Apps that use AI and Cloud, law enforcement technology has become equally easy to learn and use.

Agencies that use modern law enforcement systems are able to train new officers in a matter of hours instead of the days/weeks it took in older legacy software.

These newer systems also use AI and intelligent workflows to simplify and automate tasks. Officers can use tools like smart snippets to auto-fill report narratives, and records staff can use AI-powered video redaction to redact faces from footage in seconds. Manual processes that used to take hours are now done in a couple of clicks.

5. Connect to external agencies in real-time:
Agencies not only need efficient communication and information sharing across their internal departments, they also need the ability to share information with other police departments, criminal justice partners, prosecutors and courts.

Law enforcement systems that can securely connect with these external agencies allow for intelligence and data to be shared safely in real time. For example, workflows can automatically send warrant requests to judges digitally; judges can securely approve the request from their phone, automatically notifying the officer of the approval to execute the warrant. Integrations like these help to save time, improve cross-agency collaboration, and reduce data entry across departments.

6. Enable Community and Citizens to contribute:
By providing apps and online tools for the community, agencies can enable citizens to complete paperwork and foster more participation in public safety.

Mobile apps and online portals that allow citizens to send tips, self-initiate reports, register alarms, and submit requests online have streamlined work and reduced call volume for records staff. Plus, citizens appreciate being able to access these tools online from the comfort of their home.

Each one of these tactics alone can help agencies to improve operations. When deployed together, these practices have been a true force multiplier, allowing agencies to reduce costs, streamline work and better serve the community.

Looking for solutions to streamline your agency’s operations? Contact us to speak with a Public Safety Solutions consultant.