By giving officials new resources to identify and avoid crimes, new technologies aid law enforcement agencies in keeping up with criminals.
Since police have been given new tools, they are now addressing a new variety of problems that affect agencies nationwide. Law enforcement is strategizing the way they conduct their investigations and combat crime, despite staffing shortages and poor data analysis.
Let’s explore how technology can address current challenges in Law Enforcement:
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Law Enforcement staff shortage
Like other industries, Law Enforcement is also facing a growing number of staffing shortages due to resignations and retirements. Philadelphia for example is facing a shortage of over 500 officers.
A survey by the police executive research forum found that overall officer staffing decreased by 3.48% between 2020 and 2021. Police officers are forced to perform more duties than their position calls to handle critical duties due to staffing shortages.
With the use of technology, law enforcement organizations are tackling workforce shortages. Officers can precisely predict crimes by analyzing crime patterns and making better use of resources to keep communities safe. Agencies can deploy officers where they are most needed to maximize their efficiency if they have access to the correct data.
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Officer Morale at an ‘All-Time Low’
Law Enforcement personnel have seen a severe fall in morale due to staffing shortages and worries regarding their overall effectiveness. To effectively utilize resources and maintain community safety, Law Enforcement technology offers technical solutions to this widespread issue.
Departments can foresee crime more accurately and deploy police officers where they are most needed by analyzing massive sets of crime and staffing data.
Additionally, sophisticated crime analysis tools like BEAGLE Analytics help overburdened departments make the most of their investigative officers’ time by showcasing incident reports, historical crime data, community demographics, and staffing information.
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Data for Investigations
Leveraging the information and data analysis available to officers and investigators helps law enforcement agencies stay ahead in terms of understanding the types of crimes in their community.
Information technology aids law enforcement agencies to receive data in real time, which can be used by public safety officers to do their job more efficiently. Access to historical data and the advanced use of already present data helps to predict crime and be prepared.
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Officer Accountability & Community Trust
There has always been some conflict in the relationship between the public and law enforcement. Law Enforcement has implemented new ways to build back trust within their communities.
With data analysis, law enforcement agencies have an edge in understanding the types of crime and what they can expect in the future. Officers can effectively reduce unwanted police incidents and regain the public’s trust by having a better awareness of crime patterns.
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Managing Large Amounts of Data
Police officers are entrusted with gathering and handling vast amounts of information and data. Many officers have difficulty managing multiple record management systems as they transition from paper to digitalization.
The introduction of tech solutions for such investigative needs has made it easier for law enforcement to store and manage their data. Officers also have the option to access the information on any device. This means investigators can find the data they need while on the scene, saving time and resources.
BEAGLE Analytics for Law Enforcement
BEAGLE Analytics is a solution that helps officers with instant access to data, explore unknown connections, social media analysis, and smart search platforms with text-to-speech recognition, facial recognition, and natural language-based search. Experience BEAGLE yourself and learn how it can suit your agency. Schedule a personalized demo now.