The law enforcement space is saturated with software solutions that claim to bring agencies’ operations into the 21st century. The most effective law enforcement software solutions help agencies gather, manage, and action reliable data, both internally and externally. When these solutions work together smoothly, agencies benefit from faster investigations, streamlined data sharing, and enhanced analytics.

Keep reading to learn about the top types of police software, including their benefits and implementation strategies.

What is law enforcement software?

Law enforcement software addresses challenges and requirements specific to the public safety industry. For example, detectives might leverage law enforcement investigation software such as license plate recognition (LPR), digital evidence management, and case management systems. Tailored solutions — like computer-aided dispatch software, mapping programs, and records management systems (RMS) — can alleviate pain points across an entire agency.

Police software falls under the umbrella of “law enforcement technology,” which refers to general solutions, including hardware that supports public safety efforts. “Software” involves computer programs and applications, which often work in conjunction with hardware.

What are the benefits of law enforcement software?

Each type of law enforcement software serves a specific purpose. But all solutions share a common goal: making agencies safer, more effective, and more secure. Effective software reduces time-consuming manual tasks, acting as a force multiplier for resource-strapped agencies. It reduces guesswork by providing reliable data that can be visualized, shared, and actioned immediately. Explore the most significant benefits below.

Expedite important tasks

Centralized databases, user-friendly mobile apps, and automation free up time for more impactful work. For example, effective software reduces the amount of time spent doing paperwork, logging evidence, locating physical files, and manually writing and creating reports. Dispatch software streamlines emergency communications, lowering response times.

Improve data quality

Sophisticated software solutions gather, process, and catalog useful information, turning even unstructured data into meaningful evidence that bolsters investigations, emergency response, and crime reporting.

Consider a scenario where officers are searching for a suspect who fled a crime scene in their vehicle. They might only get a partial plate number from a witness. But an LPR system helps investigators turn that vague information into a solid lead. They can search for that partial plate, along with a vehicle description, to find the full license plate number. The search might also reveal the vehicle’s history and ownership, allowing officers to identify a potential suspect.

Democratize technology

Good software isn’t just for crime analysts. The best solutions benefit all aspects of policing and improve communication between departments. Take RMS for example: With this software, dispatchers can quickly see and communicate historical data, field officers can search and enter new records on the go, and command staff can securely share records with partner agencies.

Enhance analytics

When agencies have better data — and more of it — they’re able to draw more meaningful connections. For example, extensive data on calls for service, officer workloads, and response times provide enough insights for department leaders to conduct their own comprehensive staffing analyses, design data-informed shift schedules, and even advocate for more funding.

Track trends

Leaders need reliable trend data to allocate their resources appropriately. For example, with mapping and data visualization software, analysts might identify a string of overdose deaths in a specific location, indicating the need for more services in that area. Some real-time software solutions track officers’ use of force, which removes guesswork on personnel performance, leads to more transparent reporting, and reduces negative interactions.

Streamline data sharing

Effective police software promotes collaboration and efficiency through secure data sharing. Faster data sharing reduces lag time in investigations, increases officer safety through real-time alerts, and creates a common operating picture in emergency response scenarios.

Keep data secure

Law enforcement agencies must protect the sensitive data they collect. CJIS-compliant software companies help safeguard data through encryption, granular access controls, and robust defenses against cyberattacks.

What are the main types of law enforcement software?

Law enforcement agencies rely on specialized solutions to assist with every aspect of policing. While each agency builds out its tech stack based on budget and departmental needs, most agencies rely on the following types of police software.

National incident-based reporting system (NIBRS) software

The Federal Bureau of Investigations launched NIBRS to improve the quality of crime data. All U.S. law enforcement agencies must report incidents to NIBRS. They can pull this data from their RMS if it meets reporting guidelines. NIBRS categorizes offenses into two types: Group A and Group B. Group A offenses include:

• Arson
• Assault
• Burglary
• Fraud
• Homicide
• Kidnapping
• Theft

Group B offenses include bad checks, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, and trespassing. These incidents must have an arrest to be reported.

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software

CAD software streamlines communication between dispatch, first responders, and field officers. It helps triage incoming calls for service, direct resources, and send relevant information to an officer’s mobile data terminal. CAD systems also gather data about incidents, starting with emergency call recordings, to streamline investigations and reporting.

Records management systems (RMS)

An RMS provides a central location to store, examine, view, and manipulate all of an agency’s records. This includes anything related to law enforcement activities, such as incident reports, arrests, warrants, case management files, and field contacts. RMS software tags and categorizes these records so personnel can search them later on. Many agencies use their RMS solutions for NIBRS.

Digital evidence management systems (DEMS)

Agencies rely on DEMS to collect, store, and process digital evidence, such as camera footage, recordings, images, documents, and social media content. DEMS solutions often include cameras, software, and a mobile app that allows field officers to enter, tag, and review evidence on the scene.

License plate recognition (LPR) software

LPR systems include three components: a camera that captures photos of passing vehicles, software that deciphers those license plates, and a database that stores photo and vehicle information. The system runs the plates against connected databases, such as warrant or arrest databases, and flags any hits. Automated systems can read thousands of license plates per hour, making LPRs powerful law enforcement investigation software solutions.

Geographic information systems (GIS)

GIS solutions enable law enforcement agencies to digitally visualize crime incidents on a map. Effective GIS mapping helps agencies understand criminal activity, track crime trends, and allocate resources to high-need areas. Crime mapping also helps investigators identify leads and focus their efforts.

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) software

RFID solutions include a tag, reader, and database to store tag and reader information. Agencies use RFID technology to track their assets, including officers and vehicles, as well as evidence management. RFID systems reduce hours spent doing manual inventory, prevent evidence loss, and send alerts when evidence is moved from its location.

How to implement law enforcement software

Not all software solutions work together, and investing in incompatible technology is only going to create more inefficiencies within your department. When shopping for new solutions, look for law enforcement software companies that prioritize interoperability, open APIs, and clear data ownership policies.

These principles ensure seamless data sharing between different systems, allowing your agency to fully view, manipulate, and action all of your data in context. This also means your agency — not the vendor — will have ownership of your data.

Uplevel your agency’s law enforcement software

Advanced police software has changed the game for modern law enforcement agencies by speeding up investigations, reducing guesswork, and collecting valuable data. But these solutions are even more impactful when they work in harmony. Data integration makes that possible.

Peregrine is a vendor-agnostic data integration platform that ingests, cleans, and harmonizes data from nearly any law enforcement software. With granular user controls, personnel across an entire department can find, visualize, and action the data they need. To learn how Peregrine can supercharge your existing solutions, contact our team.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the top law enforcement software

What is law enforcement software?

Law enforcement software refers to solutions designed to address specific challenges or requirements in the law enforcement field.

How is law enforcement software different from law enforcement technology?

“Law enforcement technology” is a broader term that includes hardware such as cameras, radios, and mobile data terminals. “Law enforcement software” refers to computer-based applications, which often work alongside hardware solutions.

What are the different types of law enforcement software?

The most common types of law enforcement software include records management systems, computer-aided dispatch, digital evidence management systems, GIS, and license plate recognition software.

What goals does law enforcement software accomplish?

Law enforcement software streamlines dispatch, investigations, and overall police operations. Effective software promotes data sharing, data security, and meaningful data analysis.

What are law enforcement records management systems?

Agencies use RMS software to store, view, and search records related to policing, including incident reports, arrests, warrants, and case management files.

What is the CAD system in law enforcement?

CAD refers to “computer-aided dispatch,” which helps prioritize incoming 911 calls, direct resources to the right location, and communicate essential information to responding officers.

What is investigation management software?

Investigation management software helps agencies manage and streamline investigations. Features include case management, reporting, and automated workflows.