April 14, 2025 1 min read
The Most Important Law Enforcement Technology That You Might Not Know About
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Today’s law enforcement agencies are faced with an evolving operational landscape, from new legislative mandates to continued staffing shortages. To be successful, departments must effectively balance operational needs, public safety, and providing services with limited resources.
According to a report from Thomson Reuters, 33% of respondents indicated that keeping technology current was one of their top three areas of concern. This statistic underscores the critical role tech plays in modern policing. Many of these solutions have been in play for years and have become part of standard operating procedures for departments around the country. But, from training and operational management to body-worn cameras, new and emerging tools are still transforming the way agencies operate and can massively improve processes in a variety of ways.
Let’s explore the impacts and benefits of lesser-known law enforcement technology and how it can make all the difference for agencies.
Key takeaways:
- Law enforcement technology can provide a multitude of benefits for law enforcement agencies, including improving response times, reducing operational costs, and improving community relations.
- The main types of lesser-known law enforcement tech that can make a significant impact on operations include training management systems, shift scheduling,. equipment management, early intervention, and hardware like body-worn cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
- Agencies must carefully consider any new technology to ensure it is a successful investment. Key areas of consideration include functionality, integrations, and cost.
How Police Technology Impacts Departments
As technology advances, law enforcement agencies must also evolve and adapt. Solutions purpose-built for law enforcement can have a significant impact on a variety of areas of law enforcement operations.
The following are key areas that can be dramatically impacted by the right technology solutions:
| Impacted areas within agencies | How the areas are impacted |
| Response Time | While mainstay technologies like computer-aided dispatch (CAD) have had the biggest impact on response times, new and evolving technologies like real-time crime centers and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), can play an important role when it comes to information gathering and officer response, shortening the amount of time it takes to get an officer on the scene after a 911 call. |
| Resource Deployment | Data and analytics have reshaped how agencies allocate resources and improved workforce distribution. |
| Officer Safety | From body-worn cameras and improved body armor to new less-lethal defense equipment, new tools and training are redefining how agencies keep officers safe in the line of duty. |
| Interagency Cooperation | Whether through interagency training exercises or new tools to improve communication, new technologies are enabling improved cooperation between local agencies and those at the state and federal levels. |
Benefits of Staying Up-to-Date with New Police Technology
Any new technology will make impacts on the law enforcement landscape. However, whether those impacts are positive, negative, or both, will only be determined over time. Regardless, to stay ahead of criminals and operate as efficiently as possible, it’s imperative agencies stay up-to-date with any new or emerging law enforcement tech.
Key benefits of keeping your agency up to date with the latest police technology include:
Accelerated Criminal Investigations
Increased access to surveillance footage, digital evidence, and improved documentation management is making it easier for officers and agencies to effectively investigate and solve crimes. Emerging technologies, like software powered by artificial intelligence, is further streamlining casework by applying computing power to analyzing and processing data.
Reduced Operational Costs
While the nationwide shortage of officers has somewhat abated, respondents to a 2024 survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum indicated that staffing issues continued to be an ongoing problem for many agencies around the county. These shortages, along with other common areas of operational inefficiencies, continue to be a drain on resources.
Police scheduling technology and solutions that improve management of other operational functions can help agencies effectively make use of the resources they have and identify opportunities to eliminate waste.
Strengthened Community Trust
Police technology like body-worn cameras and public-facing use of force databases improve transparency and, in turn, can strengthen the trust between law enforcement agencies and their communities.
Enhanced Predictive Capabilities
New police technology focused on analyzing analytics provides agencies with an opportunity to predict potential criminal activity and allocate resources accordingly. By deploying extra units or increasing visibility of patrols, agencies can proactively deter crime and ensure quick response times when an incident happens.
Boosted Police Officer Retention
Police technologies focused on supporting officer wellness, streamlining tedious tasks, or improving training can all enhance job satisfaction, reduce the risk of burnout, and increase retention rates.
Law Enforcement Tech That Can Transform Operations
While an agency may want to implement every new technology as they emerge, few agencies have the budget to do so. For many agencies, absolute necessities like records management systems (RMS) take up the majority (or all) of their technology budget. As a result, when there is the opportunity to incorporate additional technologies to improve operations, law enforcement leaders must carefully weigh the potential benefits of each type of technology against the costs to integrate it.
Below is a list of the most impactful law enforcement technologies agencies should consider implementing or upgrading:
1. Training Management Systems
Effective training is an absolute must for any law enforcement agency. New advancements in digital training management systems,e-learning, and emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are making it easier and more cost-effective to provide quality training.
While training management solutions are not a new or emerging tech, agencies should prioritize modern, purpose-built like Vector’s TargetSolutions training management system, which was designed to handle the challenges facing today’s police agencies, and avoid generic software solutions.
With this technology, agencies can:
- Consolidate and track 100% of training in one place, including FTO/PTO, in-service, online training, and professional development
- Ensure compliance with training and licensure requirements
- Easily disseminate and ensure acknowledgement of policy updates
- Automate manual processes to save time
- And much more!
2. Body-Worn Cameras
States and local jurisdictions around the country have mandated the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement. In addition, many agencies are proactively implementing policies requiring their officers utilize the technology, often to improve community relations. While the National Institute of Justice has indicated that additional research is needed to truly determine the value of body-worn cameras, their use is likely to increase as agencies look for additional ways to reduce liability.
3. Early Intervention Software
While fewer states have mandated the use of early intervention systems than those that are requiring body-worn cameras, these systems, such as Vector’s Guardian Tracking, are growing in popularity due to their ability to reduce conduct-related liability and improve officer wellness. Through early intervention flags, carefully attuned to agency policy, supervisors can identify patterns of conduct that may require correction, additional training, or other interventions.
With the right early intervention software, agencies can:
- Easily comply with any state mandates or accreditation requirements
- Simplify tracking and reporting use of force data
- Streamline the management of personnel records
4. Equipment Management
In addition to being a source of potential liability and risk, poor equipment management procedures can also be a financial burden. Tools like Vector Check It, which streamline equipment and vehicle management, can help agencies track inventory, ensure inspections are completed in line with agency policies, and minimize extraneous spending related to lost or misplaced gear.
With the right asset and equipment management tool, agencies can:
- Get real-time views of all tracked assets
- Eliminate paper- or spreadsheet-based processes
- Utilize analytics and data to track spending over time and justify budget requests
5. Drone Technology
According to UAV Coach, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also called drones, are increasingly being utilized by agencies around the country for surveillance, search-and-rescue, crowd control, and other similar use cases. Frequently equipped with high-definition cameras and thermal imaging, UAVs and their operators provide real-time aerial intelligence to officers on the ground, improving officer effectiveness and safety.
However, drone technology has been a hot topic for legislatures, with many passing laws restricting their use by civilian enthusiasts as well as law enforcement. As a result, agencies must ensure that the drone technology they move forward with complies with alldrone-related laws in their area.
6. Shift Scheduling Software
Like other areas of law enforcement operations, staff scheduling can be a source of liability, especially if the agency is also contending with staffing shortages. A police scheduling tool, like Vector Scheduling, can automate and simplify complex law enforcement scheduling processes and save hours of administrative time.
With a comprehensive scheduling management tool, agencies can:
- Expedite callbacks via mass calls, texts, or push notifications
- Utilize intelligent automation to generate shift schedules with rules-based logic
- Ensure compliance with union, agency, and state labor policies
How to Select the Best New Law Enforcement Technology
Once the decision has been made to implement a new police technology or solution, the next step is picking the one that’s right for your agency. However, with so many options available, this can be easier said than done.
Here are the three most important considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new law enforcement technology:
Functionality
Every agency, and its technology needs, is unique. When selecting a new law enforcement technology, you should first determine exactly what functionality your agency needs that particular tool to do and then compare that against the available options.
Key features to consider include:
- Mobile responsiveness and/or a native mobile app: Officers often need access to data and technology in the field, making mobile access an attractive feature for many agencies.
- Ease of use: To facilitate adoption, the law enforcement tech you select should be easy to use for all your officers.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive data is the responsibility of all law enforcement agencies. Ensure the vendor you work with is also prioritizing cybersecurity and is utilizing security enhancements like encryption and multi-factor authentication.
- Customer service: Your technology partner should offer customer service that meets the needs of mission-critical industries.
Cost
Unfortunately, no law enforcement agency has the budget to go out and get whatever they want. However, by carefully weighing the functionality you need to succeed against its cost, you can select the technology solution that best aligns with your cost and functionality goals.
Be sure to ask about any fees associated with maintenance, hosting, implementation, customer support, or any other add-on fees to ensure you aren’t surprised by those down the road.
Integrations
Law enforcement agencies rely on a complex environment of technology to manage daily operations. When selecting a new solution to add to that roster, evaluate features like APIs and compatibility with any current technology management tools, like password banks and access management services, to ensure it will integrate seamlessly.
Enhance Your Agency with Police Technologies from Vector Solutions
By equipping your officers with the latest and greatest in new law enforcement technology, you can play a vital role in supporting their wellness, safety, and long-term success. Vector Solutions is proud to offer training and operational solutions that meet the evolving needs of our law enforcement partners.
Request a demo today and explore how Vector Solutions can provide your agency with law enforcement technology that will transform your operations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Challenges When Implementing New Technology in Law Enforcement?
Challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when implementing new technology include budget constraints, difficulty finding solutions that suit their unique needs, and a resistance to change from within the agency.
What Are the Biggest Trends for Technology in the Police Force?
Amidst increasing public expectations, ongoing staffing shortages, and the ever present need to do more with less, law enforcement agencies are seeking technologies that help them comply with legislative mandates, make data-driven decisions, and ensure readiness, all without breaking the bank.
The biggest trends include emerging technologies such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI).
- UAVs
- Virtual reality for training
- Body-worn cameras
- Facial recognition software
- Automatic license plate recognition
What Is the Role of AI Technology in Law Enforcement?
The role of AI in law enforcement is continuing to evolve. Many law enforcement agencies are looking to incorporate it to increase access to data and utilize it more effectively. However, legislative bodies around the world are also considering measures to ensure it is used ethically by law enforcement.
Vector Solutions’ suite of industry-leading software solutions includes training management systems, online training courses, FTO and live skill evaluations, academy automation, equipment and inventory management, shift scheduling, and an early intervention and conduct management system.
