Police and other public safety agencies are facing an explosion of data, making it difficult to store, access and digest information efficiently. Many agencies are hampered by siloed systems and outdated technology. In fact, a 2019 report found that 40% of an agency’s computers may be over seven years old and running decades-old software.
Updating to a modern, interconnected system doesn’t have to be hard, and it can be done at your own pace. The cloud provides unmatched benefits in speed of deployment, security, budgeting, updates, and operational flexibility. According to a 2019 Motorola Solutions Survey Report, 80% of agencies are looking to move to cloud-hosted solutions to gain agility, lower costs, and access innovation sooner.
By adopting a cloud suite, agencies can take advantage of powerful integrations to share data, streamline workflows and strengthen collaboration.
1. REDUCED DOWN TIME
Adopting a cloud solution versus an on-premises platform can reduce system implementation time by up to 50% so your agency can be up and running faster.
The events of 2020 proved that flexibility is critical to keep operations moving forward no matter what. The cloud makes it easy to adjust seamlessly without disrupting mission-critical performance, whether it’s staying current with software updates or enabling remote work or a sudden change in location.
2. PREDICTABLE COST STRUCTURE
Shifting to an operational expenditure model eliminates the need for capital investments to keep technology current and makes costs more predictable. Cloud access provides the flexibility to add additional processing power and storage as needed – a benefit that is particularly valuable during large-scale emergencies.
3. REDUCED TIME SPENT ON ‘PAPERWORK’
Anything that can make an officer’s job easier is bound to be appreciated by the rank and file. The streamlined workflows between CAD, records and mobile systems, plus maximum data sharing enabled by the cloud, mean less time spent on “paperwork” and more time for core functions like patrol and investigations.
4. BETTER DATA MANAGEMENT
The integration enabled by the cloud also ensures that information flows between CAD and records to make information more easily accessible in the field and provide a more complete view of the incident – an important element of greater situational awareness and officer safety.
The system also provides an internet-like unified search across all your agency’s data to find the information you need faster.
5. ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY
One common misconception about the cloud is that the cloud is less secure because it’s web based. In fact, the cloud is more secure than on-premises systems. The cloud also ensures the continuity of mission-critical operations with redundant, geographically isolated data centers and infrastructure – if one server goes down, others are available to always provide backup.
Your cloud provider should shoulder most of the burden of building, hosting, maintaining, and securing the system so your agency can dedicate time and effort to focus on mission-critical tasks.
6. SECURE DATA CONTROL & PRIVACY
Another common misconception is that storing your agency’s data in the cloud means losing control – but a cloud platform should help your agency store, manage, and analyze the information – without taking ownership of the data. Look for a solution that provides robust security measures while ensuring that your agency retains control over the collection, use and distribution of your data.
7. FUTURE-PROOF INVESTMENT
Because the cloud makes it easy to stay on top of the latest software updates and security measures, this model helps agencies anticipate and accommodate future needs, such as adding capacity as the agency grows or boosting response for a crisis.