Page 30 - PCPA Spring 2024 Bulletin Magazine

30
PA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
The Power of Data Sharing in
Modern Law Enforcement
The Importance of Data
Sharing in Law Enforcement
In an era where information is king,
the realm of law enforcement has not
been left behind. The rapid evolution
of technology offers unprecedented
opportunities for agencies to share
data, enhancing their ability to protect
and serve. Data sharing is a pillar of
modern policing strategies, enabling
departments to transcend traditional
barriers of knowledge and jurisdiction.
Benefits of Data Sharing
Data sharing is the linchpin in solving
crimes more efficiently, enhancing
collaboration, and ensuring officer
safety through real-time information
exchange. The capacity to share and
access data among agencies, both
domestically and internationally, has
revolutionized crime fighting and
community policing alike.
Improved Crime Solving: Shared
databases have become instrumental
in solving cases that once seemed
impossible. By pooling resources and
information, law enforcement can
connect the dots across jurisdictions,
identifying patterns and suspects
with a speed and accuracy previously
unattainable.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
The digital consolidation of records
and intelligence eliminates redundant
efforts, streamlining investigations
and resource allocation. This
efficiency not only saves time but
also significantly reduces operational
costs.
Greater Situational Awareness:
Sharing data between different law
enforcement agencies can provide
officers with a more comprehensive
understanding of the situations they
are approaching. This can include
information on known criminals, past
incidents, or ongoing threats in a
specific area.
Real-World Applications and
Success Stories
From regional collaborations to
global networks, law enforcement
agencies have launched numerous
initiatives demonstrating the power
of data sharing. For instance, the
FBI's National Data Exchange
(N-DEx) system provides a repository
facilitating case connections
nationwide.
Pennsylvania's Law
Enforcement Justice
Information System
(LEJIS) transforms
the way law
enforcement agencies
in the Commonwealth
access and share
local, state, and federal
public safety records.
I'm a firm believer that data sharing
"starts at home." Neighboring
jurisdictions often deal with the same
people, places, organizations, and
vehicles. Something as simple as
a traffic citation or a parking ticket
could provide the groundwork that
solves an open investigation at
another department.
THE POWER OF DATA SHARING IN MODERN LAW ENFORCEMENT
By: Ron Pillar, Product/Project Manager, In-Synch Systems