Cloud computing is being deployed by businesses and organizations across all sectors, and one of the sectors that can benefit greatly from this new technology is law enforcement.
By adopting the Cloud, police departments will be able to perform many of their tasks more efficiently, which can lead to better success in thwarting and capturing criminals.
Here is a look at some of the ways that law enforcement agencies are using the Cloud to make America a safer place….
Cloud Computing in U.S. Law Enforcement
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), SafeGovand thePonemon Institute conducted a survey in 2012 to find out how law enforcement officials view the adoption of Cloud computing in the law enforcement sector, including their plans and concerns.
About 54 percent of the 272 agencies that responded said that they had already implemented or were considering or planning to implement Cloud solutions in the next two years.
As for the agencies that were not planning to use Cloud computing, 44 percent of them indicated that they were concerned that Cloud services may not be able to provide enough security for their IT systems and data.
Applications of Cloud Computing in Law Enforcement
The abovementioned survey also found that most law enforcement agencies use Cloud computing for emailing purposes, while others use it to store information, manage records, report crime, analyze criminal cases and perform mapping.
Additionally, the Cloud provides easy access to federal and state systems, such as the National Crime Information Center, Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services, Computerized Criminal History, Department of Motor Vehicles and others.
By adopting Cloud solutions, police departments can also save substantially on IT costs and avail of a reliable backup and disaster recovery solution. It has been proven that investing in new technologies can help law enforcement agencies increase their effectiveness and efficiency.
As they add new computers like those from major retailers, such as Walmart, to their arsenal, they can turn to the Cloud to gain an edge against criminals. The proper machinery and technology make for a solid one-two punch in the fight against crime.
Examples of Police Departments Using the Cloud
The San Diego Police Department is using a Cloud-based system called Evidence.com to obtain, manage and share digital evidence.
This system is more cost-effective, scalable and user-friendly than an in-house computing system. It automates the upload process to provide better security and integrity, and it enables officers to spend more time in the field.
The East Hampton Town Police Department in Long Island, New York is one of the first police departments in the U.S. to implement a Cloud-based dispatch and records management system.
As a result, it is now able to streamline arrests and make it easier for its officers to capture and record crime reports and court information.
As more and more law enforcement agencies are turning to the Cloud to fight crime, Americans can look forward to a safer future.
About the Author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from social media marketing to Cloud computing.
License: Creative Commons image source
