Public safety is rapidly changing; law enforcement agencies across the globe are transitioning away from reactive strategies and toward proactive data-driven approaches. Technology is at the center of this shift. New technologies enable law enforcement to respond faster, see more clearly, and make smarter decisions in real time. Five essential technologies that will shape the future of law enforcement include:
1. Advanced Video Management Systems (VMS)
Modern VMS does much more than collect video. A VMS provides an agency the capability to access, review, and analyze video from multiple sources, such as surveillance cameras, body-worn cameras, and dashcam video, from a single user-friendly interface.
Many VMS platforms today include AI. An AI-enabled VMS platform can automatically identify unusual behavior, movement, or activity in video by setting up predetermined rules. This enables investigators to work more efficiently and dispatchers to receive situational information. Additionally, a command center can have the capability to coordinate efforts more effectively.
2. License Plate Recognition (LPR)
LPR technology has evolved to become one of the most valuable tools available to public safety. LPR cameras mounted on vehicles, traffic signals, or entrance and exit points read the license plate numbers of vehicles passing through their field of view and compare those numbers against databases containing known stolen vehicles, wanted persons, etc. When a vehicle’s license plate number matches a record contained in the database, the system instantly alerts the appropriate authority.
While the value of LPR is largely due to the speed of matching a vehicle’s license plate number against a database, the integration of LPR with other systems (e.g., video, CAD, RMS, etc.) enables the correlation of data collected via LPR to other investigative elements, ultimately providing investigators with stronger, more accurate investigations. In some cases, LPR has provided investigators with sufficient information to close cases that had previously gone cold.
3. Drones For Aerial Situational Awareness
UAVs (drones) provide law enforcement with an additional level of situational awareness. UAVs enable law enforcement to monitor large crowds, provide a view of a crime scene, assist in search and rescue operations, and provide a wide range of additional applications for which a ground-based camera cannot be used. While a traditional camera can only capture a limited amount of space, a drone can capture a wide area and do so quickly.
While traditionally only larger police departments were able to afford and utilize drones, the development of smaller, more portable, and easier-to-use drone units has enabled smaller agencies to obtain these devices as well. Some drones now come equipped with infrared cameras, live video transmission capabilities, and programmable flight paths. All of these capabilities contribute to the increased ability of law enforcement to cover areas quickly, safely, and effectively.
4. Real-Time Analysis And Prediction
Data is only as effective as the actions taken in response to that data. Real-time analysis is a method that utilizes machine learning to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies within data sets as the data is being generated. This includes creating “heat maps” that depict concentrations of crimes in specific geographic locations, identifying individuals who may be loitering near schools, airports, government buildings, etc., or detecting abandoned objects that could potentially be used as weapons.
When combined with a real time crime center, the analytical capabilities of machine learning become exponentially more powerful. Crime analysts can take live feeds of data from cameras, sensors, LPR, and CAD systems, and correlate them to provide frontline officers with timely, actionable intelligence.
5. Digital Evidence Management Platforms
The quantity of digital evidence is growing rapidly. With digital evidence including cell phone records, CCTV footage, social media postings, etc., capturing, storing, and making available to investigators and prosecutors is a monumental task. That is where Digital Evidence Management systems fit in.
A modern DEM system enables users to securely upload, tag, redact, share, and document audit trails for digital files. DEM systems also ensure that digital evidence can be shared between agencies/jurisdictions quickly and seamlessly. All of this contributes to streamlined investigations and stronger prosecutions.
Technology is not replacing good policing, but rather enhancing it. These tools not only aid in apprehending criminals but also increase transparency, reduce the risk associated with law enforcement activities, and assist the personnel working to protect communities. As adoption increases, the future of law enforcement will be smarter, faster, and more interconnected than ever.
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