Digital Transformation in Law Enforcement
Digital transformation in police forces, and the transformation that is happening across the country, will have a huge effect on the future of security. The need for an upgrade in communications technology in this area is crucial. These new technologies will also provide police with tools they can use in the line of duty. As it turns out, in many ways we are also transforming law enforcement and security at the same time. There is no reason to think that the police won’t be a leader in the digital realm when it comes to communications technology and law enforcement.
At one time or another law enforcement has had to deal with communications problems. This has been a fact of life since the very first patrol car wore a pager. The use of the telephone and radio has followed, although in much smaller amounts. It wasn’t long before radio communication was replaced by other means as the world became more wired. Today we find mobile communications technologies in use throughout our society.
The transformation of police officers’ communications skills is happening right now, even as you read this article. Today, police officers must be able to use the latest in mobile communications technology to keep abreast of the day to day activities within their jurisdiction. It has become extremely important for police officers to stay connected and in contact with the people around them. Technology has made this possible. There are a number of mobile communication devices on the market, from simple cell phones to police radios to Internet-ready laptops. All of these communication tools provide police officers with the means to engage with the public in a safer way.
Digital technology has provided law enforcement with the means to connect better with citizens. In the past, people were not comfortable talking to the police, especially when crimes were committed. In fact, some citizens were too afraid to talk to the police because of the frequency of their communications. This was not only dangerous for law enforcement, but for the citizens as well. It is because of this that many police departments introduced “cop watch” programs. These programs allowed citizens to monitor the actions of police officers by viewing their communications devices.
Today, people feel safer when interacting with the police. Because of this, many cities and law enforcement agencies have adopted systems that allow citizens to log on at any time and see what police are doing on the job. Viewing the digital recordings on a computer or laptop makes it easy for the public to follow police activity without having to physically get up and go to the police department. In some cities, citizens can also watch live video streaming from police cameras. This new generation of digital technology is changing the face of law enforcement in many ways.
Perhaps the most obvious change is the directness of communications. Technology allows police to communicate directly with citizens. This has revolutionized law enforcement in many ways. When police speak to the public on the radio or television, they have to first press a button on their radio or television before speaking. They then have to repeat the same words over again in order to get the attention of the public. When a police officer uses a digital communication system, all he has to do is press a button, and a transcript of the police department’s conversation with the citizen will appear on his computer screen.
The advent of digital transformers has made it easier for police to do their job. In addition to viewing digital recordings, police officers can speak to citizens through their computers and then transmit the information wirelessly over the Internet. This is particularly important in remote law enforcement areas, where communication between police and the public is sometimes limited. In one case, an Oklahoma police department used a digital communication system to communicate with residents after a child went missing. Without this new technology, the police department would not have been able to update the public on the search for the missing child.
There are many more examples of how digital technology is changing law enforcement. This new technology has made communicating between police officers and citizens much easier, and it is likely to continue to improve in the future. If you are interested in being a part of the next generation of law enforcement officers, you may wish to consider a career with a digital agency. These agencies will be able to provide you with a rewarding career in a very competitive field! It may just change the way law enforcement officials look at the world!
Deepak Wadhwani has over 20 years experience in software/wireless technologies. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies including Intuit, ESRI, Qualcomm, Sprint, Verizon, Vodafone, Nortel, Microsoft and Oracle in over 60 countries. Deepak has worked on Internet marketing projects in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange Country, Denver, Nashville, Kansas City, New York, San Francisco and Huntsville. Deepak has been a founder of technology Startups for one of the first Cityguides, yellow pages online and web based enterprise solutions. He is an internet marketing and technology expert & co-founder for a San Diego Internet marketing company.