ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q1-2025

Continued from "Police Retention", on page 23

POLICE TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS ( h3) Internet of things (IoT) technologies allow officers to effi ciently collect data that can help paint a more accurate picture of community trends and crime patterns, allowing police depart ments insights to better utilize their limited resources. Mobile high-speed connectivity can provide access to applications that can provide officers with near real-time incident information, al lowing officers to do their work faster and more accurately. Faster speeds result in faster wanted and license checks which can help improve police officer safety. THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING POLICE THE TECHNOLOGY TO DO THE JOB ( h2) Fighting modern crime requires modernized investigative solutions and advanced tools. Police officers wanting the right tech tools to do their job are part of a broader trend across all in dustries—for example, 34% of American respondents to an Ivanti survey said they considered quitting their current job in part due to the technology available. According to Forbes.com, “These technologies give police officers and intelligence agencies unprecedented powers to crack down on criminal activity as they attempt to keep us safe. They also help to tackle the new forms of crime that are emerging as criminals become ever-more inventive in their own use of technol ogy and data.” Technology can help to enhance operations by leveraging big data and insights to help officers be more efficient, more ef fective and "do more with less." It can also improve the detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including: • Mobile case management tools that can simplify the investigation process • Integrated collaborative solutions to support information sharing across different agencies • Improved reporting allows for better analysis of crime trends while also allowing agencies to track when things such as weapons training or sensitivity training is needed for a team member • More complete investigations with better access to information will assist with the prosecution of criminals

Technology can also be effective in publicizing the work of law enforcement and helping to inform public perceptions of police. For example, body-worn cameras (BWCs) can highlight the dangers that police face on a daily basis while also helping to address officer concerns about increased legal liability. In Police 1's State of the Industry survey in 2020, 10,000 officers responded to a policing poll: Only 7 percent would recommend becoming a cop. In 2021, 84 percent of officers said they wanted BWCs for all officers. In Police 1’s State of the Industry Survey of 2024, officers reported burnout, decreased job satisfaction and mental health issues with over 50 percent of respondents reporting that a stigma still exists around seeking mental health services. Law enforcement leaders are constantly evaluating what approach their organizations should take toward embracing advanced technology. Investing in the right technological tools can help accomplish the mission. It is not only an important part of addressing officer safety, mental wellness and morale, but helps increase officer retention and reduce the burdens of staffing shortages. Technology can help power these innovations in order to help first responders and those on the front lines protect and serve, and save lives. This article was authored by Michael Begonis, Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team Chief of Staff, Retired Chief of Police, Former RRT, SWAT Control Chief, Emergency Man agement Executive, and Graduate of session 227 of the FBI National Academy.

About the Author: Michael Begonis currently serves as Chief of Staff for Verizon Frontline where he supports all aspects of Public Safety Operations and the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team. Michael is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Before joining the Verizon Wireless team, he served 15 years as the Chief of Police for the Town of Wilmington, MA. Michael's Law Enforcement career focus was on Emergency Manage ment and Operations. He served as Past President and Control Chief for the Northeastern Massachusetts Law DEnforcement Council serving over 60 Communities with

a 200-member Regional Response Team and a 50 member SWAT team and K-9 Unit. In that capacity Michael served as Chair on committees offering guidance to the MA EOPS related to LE mutual aid response to major incidents. Michael is also a FBINA graduate, Session 227.

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