A recent article in Police Chief magazine outlined factors to consider when purchasing technology. Is it cost effective? Is it training intensive? Will it require service and maintenance? What is the operational need—does it make the jobs of officers safer, easier, or more effective?¹

These are the questions to ask when a police department considers whether or not to procure a new technology. And with public resources at stake, it is critical to carefully weigh the benefits of the technology and how it will enhance the department’s ability to protect the communities it serve.