ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q3-2024

Continued from "Catapulting Criminal Investigations", on page 38

Continued from "Preparing for the Impact of AI", on page 23

While access to data is instrumental to predict future incidents and prepare response strategies, it’s challenging and time-consuming for officers to review and interpret all of the available data. For instance, an officer might be driving to a crime scene where a similar incident took place last year. While data exists on that past incident and would support the officers’ situational awareness, they’ll never be able to sort through their database in time to review the most important information before arriving at the scene. These types of situations are where AI is currently having the greatest impact. AI-powered software can speed the data analysis process, so officers can quickly find and review the information they need and act on that mission-critical data more readily. An officer responding to a crime scene can review a compilation of data, generated by the AI platform, to understand how officers have responded to previous crimes at this location and uncover insights and tips, such as the location of a backdoor for easy entry. By using AI-integrated technology programs, officers can spend less time consolidating and analyzing data and use the provided insights, trends, and analytics to strategize a faster and more efficient response. THE FUTURE IMPACT OF AI When it comes to vehicles, AI software platforms and connected vehicle technologies already provide officers and fleet managers with a better understanding of fleet health, costs, and deployments. Vehicle and situational data, such as the status of the check engine light and the outdoor temperature, when used with the right cloud tools, can be continuously mined for intelligent insights that improve response times while reducing total fleet costs. They can help monitor the status of an officer’s vehicle to predict the need for maintenance before it results in significant downtime. This means officers can spend less time worrying about vehicle repairs and more time planning responses and interacting with their communities. Advances in AI-powered connected vehicle technology will help boost situational awareness around each vehicle which can reduce the likelihood of collisions, enhancing community safety and reducing the time officers spend responding to accidents. For example, if the car at the front of a traffic line is experiencing an issue that requires the driver to brake hard, that car will be able to send a signal to the cars behind it so they can deploy their automatic braking systems. Likewise, in severe weather, municipalities will be able to review vehicle data to find any roads where cars are skidding on ice or snow, so they can deploy extra plows and salt trucks to that area. Additionally, as more departments implement the capability to transmit 911 calls live, they will witness more streamlined dispatch workflows. Currently, 911 operators transcribe an incident into a computer program, where the dispatcher reads it. The dispatcher determines which officers are available and close enough to the incident and sends the situation description to those officers as they drive to the incident. Soon, AI will be able to analyze emerging situations like these and determine which officers to send based on their current assignment and location. This will support efficiency and the ability to transmit 911 calls live means that officers can hear directly from callers for maximum situational awareness.

seeking justice is not just about achieving closure—it's about acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impact of the crime on the individuals affected. Reopening cold cases, while potentially unsettling, is often a necessary step towards uncovering the truth and holding perpetrators accountable. In presentations to law enforcement leaders, emphasizing the distinction between closure and justice is essential. Closure implies finality, while justice acknowledges the ongoing journey towards resolution and healing. By prioritizing the needs and experiences of victims and survivors, law enforcement can demonstrate a commitment to ethical and victim-centered practices. Believing and supporting victims from the initial call through to the courtroom, and beyond, is fundamental to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. It's about letting the facts and evidence guide the process while maintaining empathy and understanding for those affected by the crime. Every member of the law enforcement community plays a crucial role in upholding these principles and working towards a just outcome for all involved. You're absolutely right about the immense challenges posed by unsolved cases, including murders, rapes, and unidentified individuals. These cases deserve our unwavering commitment and effort to seek justice for victims and their families. The staggering statistics underscore the urgency and importance of leveraging tools like FIGG to enhance our crime-solving capabilities and bring resolution to long-standing mysteries. Re-evaluating and restructuring investigative teams, missions, and workflows is indeed crucial to working more efficiently and effectively. Embracing the latest advancements in science and technology, including forensic tools and data analysis techniques, can significantly aid in solving cold cases and preventing future acts of violence. It's imperative that we, leaders within our law enforcement agency, prioritize these efforts, as the offenders responsible for unsolved crimes may still be at large, posing a threat to society. By harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we can make significant strides in addressing the backlog of unsolved cases, solve current cases faster, and ensure justice for all.

FBINAA.ORG | Q3 2024

About the Author : Ed O’Carroll commenced his public service journey as an emergency medical technician and Assistant Chief of an ambulance squad in New York. Following his relocation to the National Capital Region, Ed embarked on his distinguished law enforcement career on September 11th, 1989, with the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department, where he dedicated over 33 years of exemplary service. Throughout his illustrious career, Ed has held various roles, ascending from cadet to major, with recent executive assignments including Director of Media Relations and Internal Affairs. Notably, in his last four years of service, he served as the Bureau Chief of the Major Crimes, Cyber, and Forensics.

A graduate of NA Session 269, , Ed's commitment to professional development extends to his role as a national certified trainer for the Refuse to Be A Victim program. Additionally, he recently completed a decade of service as a trustee on the Fairfax Police Officers Retirement System Board, overseeing a nearly 2-billion dollar investment fund. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed finds pride and fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband and father of four children.

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