Technology Talk: GPS Technology in Policing

Ride the Wave to Make Better Decisions

Law enforcement managers, information technology (IT) professionals, and personnel who conduct crime and intelligence analysis are well aware of the high value of data. However, rapid advances in technology and an increased emphasis on data sharing, intelligence-led policing, and fusion center participation can result in an overwhelming volume of information for many agencies. One such technological advance is the rapidly expanding Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, which creates highly valuable sources of data that can improve decision making. Yet, if not properly understood and managed, the same data can significantly increase the risk of overload. Some agencies might underutilize GPS tools, and their analyses based on GPS data might not be fully exploited. Agencies will either sink or swim when inundated with the amount of data available through GPS technology. How can they successfully ride the data wave to enhance operations and improve efficiency?