Law Enforcement Locking Up Cloud Technology

Technology makes life that much easier and nowhere is this truer than with law enforcement and the cloud.

From the police to the FBI, the ease of use and convenience of cloud technology is transforming the way in which law enforcers protect and serve the public.

So, with efficient technology in mind, here are just a few ways cloud computing benefits law enforcement and, in turn, the public:

Affordability Factor

Law enforcement agencies oftentimes have tight budgets that do not allow much room in the way of system hardware and software upgrades. But, with cloud computing, everything is housed and serviced in a separate location, by a separate IT staff.

What this means for law enforcement is lower operating costs when it comes to servers and networking.

This allows an agency to utilize its budget elsewhere, like employing a larger workforce of law enforcers. And this is just one way cloud computing benefits the public as well.

Documentation Efficiency

From the time a criminal is caught to the time they're processed and go to trial, the paperwork trail that results is almost endless. And behind all those files and documentation are man-hours. But, the cloud changes everything in terms of documentation.

For example, law enforcement agencies are already using the cloud to connect to National Criminal Justice Databases.

These databases provide background information on offenders, which cuts the documentation time and paperwork in half, especially with repeat offenders.

Cloud Evolution

Between regularly scheduled system and network upgrades and inefficiency due to outdated software, it sometimes seems like law enforcement agencies are always playing catch up.

And, considering equipment and other tech hardware go out of date on a recurring basis, in-house computing just doesn't cut it.

But, with cloud technology, end-users directly connect to IT providers without the need for an in-house IT staff or system upgrades.

This is due to the fact that cloud computing instantly updates and evolves securely and on a rolling basis, which improves law agency productivity.

Personalization and Adaptability

Even as you read this, law enforcement agencies are putting the cloud to use with hybrid cloud environments.

Hybrid clouds allow agencies and individual law enforcers to create personalized cloud resources specific to the agency or district, while still having the ability to access shared law enforcement resources.

Cloud Sharing

Law enforcement agencies are already joining forces by sharing their extensive cloud databases.

With cloud sharing, participating public safety departments like state police and Homeland Security are able to share information across departments instantaneously.

This puts law enforcers in the know and on the same page, which helps them better protect.

For example, cloud sharing networks better connect local police with the DEA to more efficiently control drug trafficking occurrences from one state to the next, which is just one of many examples in use today.

So, from cost effectiveness to secure information sharing, cloud technology is really helping law enforcers better protect the public.