For several states, data collection for traffic and pedestrian stops is becoming a routine requirement for officers, and it’s likely that data collection compliance will be expanding nationwide in the near future.

North Carolina became the first state in the U.S. to enact legislation requiring law enforcement agencies to collect data on all routine traffic stops. California, Illinois, New Jersey and Missouri have all passed similar policies, and more states are expected to enact legislation that requires law enforcement to collect and report on data elements like the stop location, the person’s race & gender, and results of the stop.

As these requirements go into effect, officers will need efficient ways to accurately capture stop data. Luckily, there are digital tools available that are purpose-built to streamline data collection and reporting for LEOs.

Here are a few things to look for when evaluating solutions for your agency:

• Easy accessibility: Capturing data in the moment, instead of trying to recall information later on, leads to faster, more accurate reporting. Agencies should look for tools that allow LEOs to capture data on both MDTs and smartphones. Tools like GISMO™ and 365™ RMS, for example, allow LEOs to fill forms, dictate notes, capture photos, and create reports from their smartphone.
• Auto-check for PII: Personally Identifying Information, like names and vehicle information, should be excluded from the data submitted to the state’s DOJ or other authority. Artificial intelligence can automatically check for and flag potential PII in an officer’s response, which helps reduce the time records staff spends reviewing and finalizing reports for submission.

• AI-powered Forms: With smart forms that provide pre-populated options, officers can quickly capture the required stop data without typing a word. Moreover, these forms can dynamically adjust the values based on prior answers to streamline data collection.

• Reports & Analytics: Statistical dashboards and reporting capabilities will be a key component of any solution for stop data collection. Command staff should have the ability to review detailed reports and analyze trends that can lead to data driven decisions for their agencies. The 365™ platform, for example, provides built-in reports and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Power BI for trend visualization and analytics.

By equipping officers with the right tools, agencies can simplify data collection for traffic and pedestrian stops and ensure compliance with current and future state requirements.

Looking for solutions to streamline traffic stop data collection and reporting? Contact us to see how 365Labs can help.