Quite a few value-added resellers (VARs) and managed services providers (MSPs) have spent years building their businesses by specializing in technology solutions for local government and law enforcement. But those solutions may evolve as all industries look at ways to transform their operations digitally.
While most local leaders acknowledge that some situations require a response by “legacy” police officers. With smaller budgets, it begs the question of whether those law enforcement professionals will have the resources and tools they need. It seems like the situation is shaping up to be a challenge looking for solutions – and the right solutions providers.
Is the Answer Digital Policing?
A Council on Foreign Relations blog suggests that current trends may lead to a rise in “digital policing.” This technology-based strategy could include solutions such as:
- Digital surveillance systems
- Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart systems
- Geolocation technology
- Data mining
NetMotion Software also pointed out the benefits of digital policing, including:
- Anytime, anywhere access to data
- Improved data collection processes
- Converting all types of data to searchable, digital format
- Real-time location data on officers and their vehicles
Additionally, a Deloitte white paper points out that digital policing can leverage predictive analytics, helping to direct resources to areas where crime is most likely to occur – and stop it before it happens. It can use social media listening to identify criminal activity or people who need help instantly. Digital transformation of policing can also enable electronic witness statements, real-time sharing of case files and crowd-sourced investigations.
Reimagine Policing
Deloitte explains just as organizations and businesses in other verticals, law enforcement undergoing digital transformation requires stepping back to take a look at goals, current processes and how technology can make it more efficient and effective. Digital policing also requires a “new breed” of police. Officers would no longer be tied to a station or beat; they’ll have mobile access to information and be better positioned to make decisions. They’ll also receive briefings and assignments in different ways, and police management will change.
What Will the Future Bring?
Regardless of whether your local government clients plan to decrease, maintain, or increase the number of officers on their police force, they need your advice on how to operate most efficiently and effectively, doing the most they can with the resources they have. If there’s sentiment in your market to explore digital policing, introduce your business to new stakeholders, build relationships with new contacts and expand your portfolio.
Experienced government VARs and MSPs shouldn’t be on the sidelines now. Your knowledge of the industry, solutions that work and those that don’t, the level of security required and how to attain it, and the stakeholders in your market position you as a valuable advisor as local governments navigate change.
