Technology Talk: Innovation in Public Safety: Empowering Officers and Providing Value

When seconds matter, emergency responders depend upon state-of-the-art technology to deliver concise and reliable information. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) technology allows 9-1-1 telecommunicators to instantly share knowledge of changing events with officers in the field. Records management system (RMS) software gives officers existing data on suspects and previous incidents and helps command staff strategize by providing detailed data on crime patterns. These are essential technology investments, but all too often, it becomes difficult to innovate beyond basic functionality—to identify and justify additional products that can extend core capabilities.