The rate of technological change in recent years is so fast that one could reasonably suggest that the top 10 jobs 10 years from now might not even exist today. Technology is changing the way police departments operate, how grants requests are formatted, and what is requested in the local operating budget. Technologies funded today were not even common knowledge just a few years ago.

It is essential for law enforcement executives to stay current with ongoing technological developments. Today’s executives need not only to be cognizant of developing technology but also to have a working knowledge of what this technology can do for their agencies. Executives must be skilled in acquiring technology through a variety of funding sources.

This article outlines several new technologies, most of which are used currently by the Lafayette, Colorado, Police Department. These technologies were obtained through a series of funding options, including grants from the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC). These technologies function as force multipliers that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and officer safety in a variety of ways. An additional benefit is that department personnel enjoy working with state-of-the-art equipment, which can boost morale.