Police leaders are responsible for guiding their agencies through evolving technologies that enhance public safety while maintaining security, efficiency, and compliance. One of the most transformative shifts in recent years has been the move to cloud-based solutions. While “the cloud” may sound like a technical concept best left to the IT team, the reality is that most agencies are likely already using cloud services. From storing body-worn camera footage to using Microsoft 365 for email and document collaboration, cloud technology has already become an integral part of modern policing.
Cloud computing allows users to access and utilize computing resources over the internet instead of relying on local hardware or on-premises servers. These resources include servers, storage, databases, networking, and software. It offers many advantages, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and accessibility. Understanding the benefits, trends, and options for cloud adoption is crucial for police chiefs and law enforcement executives.
Why Police Agencies Are Moving to the Cloud
Cloud computing offers a wide range of benefits for law enforcement, including scalability, cost savings, enhanced security, and improved collaboration. Here’s why more agencies are adopting cloud solutions:
- Scalability and cost savings: Traditionally, agencies have invested in on-premises servers, requiring costly infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and IT staff. The cloud eliminates the need for expensive hardware upgrades by allowing agencies to scale storage and computing power as needed. Instead of budgeting for large capital expenditures, agencies can pay for cloud services on a subscription basis, reducing upfront costs and shifting to a more predictable operating expense model.
- Security and compliance: Contrary to some misconceptions, cloud providers often offer higher security than on-premises solutions. Industry leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud invest billions in cybersecurity, providing agencies with advanced encryption, multifactor authentication, and compliance with law enforcement data security standards, including FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements. Additionally, cloud solutions reduce the risks associated with physical data storage, such as potential server failures, natural disasters, and cyberattacks targeting agency-managed infrastructure.
- Improved collaboration and accessibility: Police officers need real-time access to critical data, whether in the field or at headquarters. Cloud-based solutions allow seamless collaboration across agencies, enabling officers, detectives, and command staff to access reports, case files, and digital evidence from any authorized device. This accessibility is especially valuable for multijurisdictional investigations and emergency response coordination.
- Disaster recovery and continuity: Cloud-based storage provides built-in redundancy and disaster recovery, ensuring critical data remains accessible even in the event of hardware failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. Unlike traditional servers that require manual backups, cloud solutions can automatically replicate data across secure locations, minimizing downtime and data loss risks.
Common Cloud Services in Policing
Many agencies are already leveraging cloud services—perhaps without fully realizing it. Here are some common examples:
- Body-worn camera footage storage (Axon Evidence, Motorola CommandCentral, etc.): Many agencies store digital evidence, including body-worn camera and dashcam footage, in cloud-based platforms rather than on local servers.
- Records management and computer-aided dispatch (RMS/CAD) systems: Cloud-hosted RMS and CAD systems allow for remote accessibility and real-time updates, improving situational awareness and operational efficiency.
- Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace: Email, document collaboration, and communication platforms like Microsoft Teams or Google Drive are cloud-based solutions that many agencies rely on for day-to-day operations.
- Digital forensics and case management: Investigative teams use cloud-based digital forensics tools to analyze and manage digital evidence more efficiently.
- Data sharing and analytics: Cloud platforms enable agencies to participate in regional or national intelligence-sharing initiatives, improving crime-fighting capabilities through real-time data analysis.
Options for Moving to the Cloud
Agencies considering a broader cloud strategy have several pathways to choose from, depending on operational needs, security requirements, and budget constraints.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS solutions provide cloud-hosted applications on a subscription basis. SaaS solutions reduce the need for in-house IT management and hardware investment while ensuring agencies have access to the latest software updates and security patches.
Common examples include:
- Cloud-based digital evidence management (e.g., Axon Evidence, Magnet Review)
- Cloud-hosted email and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- Subscription-based records management systems
2. Agency-hosted cloud: For agencies that require greater control over data storage and security, an agency-hosted private cloud may be a suitable option. This model allows agencies to maintain cloud-like flexibility while ensuring data remains within a dedicated infrastructure, often housed in a highly secure facility. While this approach provides enhanced control, it requires significant IT resources and ongoing maintenance.
3. Hybrid cloud solutions: A hybrid cloud approach allows agencies to combine cloud and on-premises storage, maintaining sensitive or classified data locally while leveraging the cloud for scalable storage and processing power. This model is ideal for agencies transitioning from legacy systems to full cloud adoption.
Overcoming Cloud Adoption Challenges
Despite its benefits, transitioning to the cloud requires careful planning. The following are some common challenges and strategies to address them:
- Data security concerns: Work with cloud providers to ensure they meet your compliance standards and offer robust encryption and access controls.
- Budget considerations: Cloud adoption should be viewed as a long-term investment that reduces infrastructure costs over time. Many grants and funding programs support cloud modernization initiatives for public safety agencies.
- Training and change management: Educate personnel on cloud security best practices and how to leverage cloud tools effectively. Clear policies and training programs can help ease the transition.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Law Enforcement in the Cloud
The cloud is not just a passing trend—it is the future of law enforcement technology. Emerging innovations such as AI-driven analytics, real-time data sharing, and predictive policing models are becoming more accessible through cloud-based platforms. Agencies that embrace the cloud today will be better positioned to enhance operational effectiveness, improve officer safety, and deliver more efficient public safety services.
Police chiefs and senior law enforcement executives should discuss cloud services with their IT teams and technology partners to develop a plan that aligns with their agency’s mission and long-term goals. The transition to the cloud is not a question of “if” but “when.” By taking a proactive approach, agencies can harness the power of cloud technology to drive positive change in policing. d
Please cite as:
Trey Amick, “Embracing the Cloud: What Police Chiefs Need to Know,” Police Chief Online, March 3, 2025.
