Law Enforcement Surveillance Trends to Watch in 2021 and Beyond
As the world continuously changes around us, so do safety concerns. Law enforcement is constantly revamping its approach to protecting and serving the community.
In recent years, technology has played an important role in community surveillance and protection.
As we inch closer to 2022, there are several law enforcement surveillance trends that deserve your attention.
How has law enforcement surveillance technology changed, and what does it mean for officers and the general public?
Keep reading to find out.
Emphasis on Intelligence-Led Policing
Law enforcement and emergency response teams have been utilizing technology for years; however, the recent need for rapid deployment video solutions is elevating the urgency.
Introduce the rise of real-time crime centers (RTCCs). Now, teams can deploy surveillance and data centers quickly and efficiently when the need arises. They can also use analytics and metrics to mitigate and prevent crimes.
Cloud-based technology (more on this later) makes RTCCs an affordable option. It also helps various departments and agencies securely and efficiently share sensitive information.
Most RTCCs take months or even years to launch. In 2021, a fully-functioning crime center can be established within days.
As city-wide threats increase, so does the need for quick action.
Speed and efficiency are two of the benefits of utilizing The RATT telescoping mast. Although this tool doesn't deploy an entire data center, it does increase visibility and situational awareness within minutes!
Compatible with any vehicle with a 2x2" hitch receiver, any member of your team can quickly deploy The RATT to between 30 and 50 feet.
Attach a camera that provides live-stream video, an antenna, or spotlights to instantly enhance your field of vision and give you more control over any situation.
Integration of the Cloud
The cloud is responsible for streamlining procedures across various industries, and in 2021, law enforcement surveillance will utilize it as well.
The cloud allows for fast, efficient, and secure sharing of data across departments and jurisdictions. When time is of the essence, agencies can share vital information about a possible crime, suspect, or public threat.
Up until now, many departments have used out-date hardware-based solutions. Not only are these on-premises solutions slow, but also cumbersome and often inefficient.
Increased Situational Awareness
Faster response times are a growing trend and need in law enforcement. An increase in situational awareness gives law enforcement officers an advantage, allowing them to respond faster and more efficiently.
A better sense of, and more information about, their surroundings also means identifying and mitigating potential threats in real-time.
The more information officers and dispatchers have about a situation, the better equipped they are to handle it, reducing risk and saving lives.
Live-stream video on the ground and in the sky provides real-time intelligence, allowing agencies to deploy the appropriate personnel for a given situation.
There's also an increased need for LTE & Wi-Fi to operate body cams and AVLs (automatic vehicle locators). These law enforcement surveillance technology tools allow for the integration of both public and private intelligence feeds.
Formalized Surveillance and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just reserved for video games. Law enforcement agencies are discovering a use for this advanced technology in collecting and storing data.
Cameras equipped with AI are more efficient at collecting and sorting through valuable information in real-time. Instead of storing every image it captures in the cloud, AI cameras can dissect the footage and only store pertinent information.
Departments will spend less money on costly data-storage and other fees associated with high-volume video collection and analysis.
Other notable advantages of AI technology include facial recognition, biometrics, and spotting patterns and anomalies, which is key to helping solve many non-violent crimes.
Wearable Tech
Mobile surveillance is a valuable tool for law enforcement officers. The ability to observe and collect data remotely allows officers to make quick decisions in real-time.
What's more mobile than wearable tech? This is a law enforcement surveillance trend that isn't entirely new but is gaining more traction in 2021.
Body cams are one of the most well-known forms of wearable tech for law enforcement and have their pros and cons.
Other gadgets like smartwatches are emerging as well. Officers can receive data in real-time on their watch from the agency’s CAD system and even hits from their LPR cameras.
Incoming information about a call or suspect could change the entire dynamic and determine the officer's next course of action. Some smartwatches enable officers to quickly and discreetly send an SOS alert to dispatch if they're in trouble or distress.
Heart rate tracking can also help determine if the officer is in pursuit or immobile, giving dispatch and responding teams more information about the officer's whereabouts and condition.
Workforce Management Software
Similar to the benefits of using the cloud for data storage, advancements in workforce management software are changing the way agencies collect data in 2021.
Not only are paper and pencil records or spreadsheets time-consuming and tedious to complete, they're also inefficient and create high overhead costs.
Departments need to train officers to manage information properly. Failing to do so leads to human error and could potentially compromise the safety of both officers and the general public.
Software programs improve risk management, cut costs, and guarantee compliance.
The New Face of Law Enforcement Surveillance 2021
It's a new year and that means taking a new approach to law enforcement surveillance.
With so much technology available, agencies can now collect, process, and utilize data in new and more efficient ways -- increasing both officer and citizen safety.
The RATT is designed to increase situational awareness and help agencies collect data in real-time.
Fast and easy deployment on all types of terrain, our telescoping masts provide much-needed support and visibility for first responders.
Contact us today with any questions or head over to our FAQs page. You can also check out The RATT in action here!