How to bridge the data divide in law enforcement

As technology has evolved over the last few decades, law enforcement agencies have gotten access to more and more information, such as computer-aided dispatch and records management systems, body-worn camera footage, and automated license plate recognition systems. Still, many agencies struggle — not with a lack of data, but a lack of context for that data. Often, agencies’ sources exist in silos and cannot communicate with each other, making it difficult for users to track trends, report progress, and keep the public informed.

Vendor-agnostic data integration helps agencies solve this issue. Peregrine integrates and unifies disparate data sources, adding valuable context to critical data and painting a complete picture of what’s happening in an agency’s jurisdiction. In a recent Police1 article, Peregrine public safety executive and retired Chief Doug Shoemaker discussed the power of data-driven insights in improving internal operations and external relationship-building.

“I think all police leaders across the country want access to that kind of data where they can — with authority in knowing they’re correct and accurate — give the data to the community because they want to be transparent,” Shoemaker told Police1. “They want to be able to convey, ‘Here’s the real picture of what’s taking place and here’s what we’re doing about it.’ At Peregrine, we want to give our law enforcement partners exactly that — the ability to be responsive and relational with the communities they serve.”

To achieve this, agencies must first understand what their communities want. Public safety leaders should consider meeting with civic groups, business leaders, and faith communities to discuss their safety priorities. It’s important to ask for feedback and keep an open mind, even if it’s difficult to learn about perceived blind spots, Shoemaker said.

Next, take stock of your current datasets and how they work together. Understand how your agency collects, analyzes, and actions its data. Look for ways to reduce friction and empower officers to take informed action. Using data to drive decision-making increases officer safety, makes your agency more effective, and can even improve job satisfaction.

“When we invest in systems that help us become more efficient and ultimately allow us to be more transparent and responsive to the community, that’s a win-win,” said Shoemaker.

If you’re at the beginning of your journey toward data-driven policing, Shoemaker recommends starting with what you already have. Inventory your data, talk to your technology users, and engage with stakeholders to understand their expectations and information needs. It’s also important to invest in quality relationships with vendors and community members.

To learn more about how investing in Peregrine can increase trust, transparency, and community relationships, read the full Police1 article.