As police departments look to improve their operational readiness under increasingly tight budgets, emerging technology offers significant opportunities to do more with less. This year’s 2019 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition will provide plenty of opportunities for police chiefs and their colleagues who are interested in pushing the technology envelope.
Taking place October 26-29, 2019 in Chicago, IACP 2019 is a great place to learn about new strategies and innovations, including the move toward mobile-first policing integrating the use of smartphones, wearable devices, video, internet of things (IoT) devices, drones, 5G and more.
In addition to the opportunities for one-on-one discussions with exhibitors, attendees can do some intensive learning in the conference training rooms. Here’s my pick of must-see technology sessions.
1. Use of Smartphones and Tablets by Patrol Officers
Real-life “lessons learned” in police departments’ use of smartphones and tablets is the focus of this IACP session. The New York Police Department will explain how equipping officers with mobile phones has significantly improved their access to police records. The Portland Police Bureau will explore how mobile apps support computer-aided dispatch (CAD) integration, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) access through multifactor authentication (MFA), and e-citations. And police presenters from Irving, Texas, Los Angeles and San Francisco will detail their integrated communications and situational awareness solutions.
Location: Room W192ab
Date: Saturday, October 26, 12:30 p.m.
2. The Drone as a First Responder
Unknown threat levels, minimal information and fear are just part of the job for police officers responding to 911 calls — and for good reason. Officers responding to these calls never know what dangers they’ll be walking into. This is why California’s Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) launched the “Drones as a First Responder” (DFR) program in October 2018. Under the program, CVPD drones are automatically dispatched to 911 calls first, to provide officers with enhanced safety and surety about the calls they are responding to.
Location: W192ab
Date: Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m.
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3. Tomorrow’s Workplace Transformation Today: Samsung’s DeX In-Vehicle Solution
Smartphones are a powerful force-multiplier and can now support officers in the car, in the field and in the station. Samsung DeX transforms an officer’s smartphone into a single, powerful and efficient in-vehicle computer by loading it with policing applications that can be accessed in-vehicle via a docking cradle, display and keyboard. This case study-driven presentation will detail how police departments are giving their officers full access to the information they need regardless of assignment or proximity to a vehicle. You’ll also see the latest in wearables and learn how they’re improving situational awareness and officer safety.
Location: McCormick Place West Solutions Presentation Theater Area
Date: Sunday, October 27, 12 p.m.
4. Herding the Digital Cats: Integrated Video for Response and Investigation
The growing range of digital video solutions available to law enforcement presents great opportunities and challenges. On the plus side, imagery sourced from government surveillance, business-operated cameras and consumer smartphones provides a wealth of visual information for police investigators to work with. On the negative side, this plethora of video can be difficult to manage and cross-reference — and there are also legal, technical and political concerns to be considered when forming departmental policies.
Location: W190b
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 8 a.m.
5. Leveraging Body-Worn Cameras for Experiential and Simulation-Based Training and Improved Outcomes
When properly implemented, body-worn cameras (BWCs) can be a positive tool for law enforcement agencies, reducing use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints. Cameras also help resolve complaints more efficiently. Relatively little attention has been paid toward leveraging BWC footage for improving training, particularly in ways that enhance these favorable outcomes. This workshop provides a practical overview of how three agencies are actively leveraging digital footage for experiential learning and simulation-based training. Specific outcomes discussed include improving de-escalation efforts; enhancing officer and civilian safety; and improved civility and courteousness in interactions with the public.
Location: W196c
Date: Saturday, Oct 26, 8 a.m.
Other Things to Watch for at IACP 2019
In addition to IACP’s many informative sessions and panel discussions, the IACP Exposition Hall will feature a host of technology providers displaying their latest wares and services. This lineup will include the Samsung public safety team, who will show Samsung DeX and other advanced mobile solutions at Booth 4219.
I also recommend you keep an eye out for what the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is doing with in-vehicle computing. They have recently collaborated with Samsung to pilot the use of DeX-enabled Samsung phones to replace laptop computers in vehicles. You can learn more about the CPD’s pilot project by dropping by Samsung at Booth 4219.
You can also learn more about Samsung’s solutions for law enforcement at the IACP Communications and Technology Committee meeting on Oct. 28, where I will be one of the speakers. The committee meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in McCormick Place West, W179a.
Find out how much your agency can save by going mobile-first with this free assessment. Then explore the ways 5G networks make first responders more efficient.
