The connected officer in an age of disruption

We are currently living in an age of disruption affecting every aspect of society. Change is being driven by two key factors: a reduction in the cost of new technologies and the impact of different technologies coming together. The pace of technological change is one of many significant challenges facing policing and public safety.

The concept of the ‘connected officer’ continues to develop. Police officers have always been connected to the public and communities they serve, in many different ways. They have also been connected to their colleagues both out on the street, in the control room and while performing investigative or intelligence activities.

They have also been connected to people in other agencies, functions or organisations to help information sharing and generate insight to help address common problems or protect those with common vulnerabilities.

Digital technology has the capacity to enhance and extend these connections and flow of information and insight. Investing in the necessary infrastructure to enable such connectivity allows the police officers to become:

• Enabled
• Empowered
• Supported

Police officers are now connected, not only to colleagues in the control room, but also to a vast array of information and data.

Mobility allows officers to access a range of information via commercial and police-specific apps.

Platforms provide a mechanism to give the workforce (regardless of where they are) access to a vast array of information.

Wearables can be activated via voice recognition, record tracking and biometric data, they also allow the wearer freedom of movement.

Voice means officers are free to interact with victims or suspects allowing statement taking to become faster and—with the advent of voice signature technology—more secure.