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tually reduced the workload on field officers and provides proof that enhanced data collection efforts need not be onerous. Leveraging modern technology is important to improve efficiency and results. Each change in procedures is an opportunity to review and poten- tially improve efficiency while gathering additional information. The department is now working with the town and village departments in Suffolk County to facilitate their participation in the HIDTA ODMAP program to provide a rapid and comprehensive countywide picture of overdoes. Additionally a Suffolk County Po- lice field intelligence officer has been assigned to assist these de- partments with this initiative and other data collection and analy- sis efforts. The Suffolk County Police hosts the Long Island Satellite Intel- ligence Center within their intelligence section. Seventeen law en- forcement agencies have representatives assigned to work in this facility to openly share intelligence, including federal, state, city, county, town and village law enforcement agencies. This facility provides a means for a routine face to face data exchange, which is far more effective than trying to cold call an agency while looking for information. In an effort to further reduce crime and improve public safety in Suffolk County the department has some other major projects in the pipeline. It is constructing a new real time crime center and is in the process of purchasing a new commercial records management system. The newly constructed real time crime center will allow the department to combine and leverage all of the technologies that it has available, many of which were formerly isolated. Systems such as CCTV, license plate readers and automatic vehicle tracking of marked patrol cars will be among the technologies that can be accessed in this facility. During an ongoing event all of these tech- nologies can be utilized together in one place to maximize their usefulness and effectiveness. The analysts assigned to work in the department’s real time crime center will also have access to all of the department’s databases, both public and internal. One data- base is a mix, the department’s LexisNexis program accesses both public records and the department’s internal information which have been linked to provide one unified, powerful and easy to use program. The department continues to endeavor to enhance access to data and with a large department it is difficult to keep members informed about everything that is currently available and how to best utilize it. One call into the real time crime center, however, will put analysts, who are familiar and proficient on these data pro- grams, to work compiling information for the caller. During pre-identified trigger events, whether it is a new crime within an active crime pattern or another serious incident, the staff of the real time crime center will be immediately put to work ac- cessing technologies and databases to push information out to the responding units rather than waiting for them to arrive and ask for it. The center can be used to coordinate the response to a large scale emergency in an effective manner by utilizing technologies such as automatic vehicle locators for patrol cars, CCTV, a downlink from the department’s helicopter, license plate readers and queries of accessible databases.

The department is also in the process of replacing its aging records management system which was built in house many years ago. This project was spurred by the requirement for National Incident Based Reporting, but was yet another example of how technology can be leveraged to expand cross jurisdictional data sharing. Capital funding was provided to move the department to a new commercially produced records systems that would be NI- BRs compliant; however additional grant funding was obtained to license the product for the entire county. It is intended that these added funds will allow all public safety agencies in the county to have the option to input data into a single unified records system, which will expand data sharing in an unprecedented manner. Historically many law enforcement agencies have been less than eager to share information on investigations, often motivated by the desire to be the agency that makes the big arrest. This at- titude is a disservice to the public who desire to live in safe com- munities. Twenty-first century policing should be collaborative and not proprietary. As public funding is stretched and resources become tight, working together can achieve extraordinary results while improving efficiency. Removing criminals from the streets should be the objective, not which agency makes the arrest.

About the Author: Stuart K. Cameron Chief of Department Suffolk County Police Department FBINA #208

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everyone in the family when you are away at the NA, but luckily Bill was close enough to home to attend some of his son’s sporting events and have a few visits to see his mom with his roommate. Being from the NYPD, he played a vital role arranging the New York City trip for that NA session, though admits he couldn’t re- ally relax at Quantico until the trip was over. He continues to value many networking opportunities with Law Enforcement Officers from around the world facilitated by attending the NA. Being able to pick up the phone or send an email anywhere in the world and get co- operation and guidance from the local authorities, and to be able to answer a call or email and provide assistance back is phenomenal. When considering advice for those who are preparing for the National Academy, Bill says to forget about the office, it will be there when you get back. Just take time to enjoy the experience and the people. Bills dedication to the National Academy Associates is re- flected in his post session activities with the Association. For the past twelve years he has been involved with the New York State/Eastern Canada Chapter working his way through various Chapter positions. In 2018 he will complete his time on the Chapter Board, leaving as the Immediate Past President. He is proud to share that they have a very active Chapter and that the NYC Division is the busiest. He cites the NA’s NYC trip, the Chapter sponsored, West Point Football Game and the St. Patrick’s Day debrief as his favorite Chapter activities. When questioned about his plans for retirement, he quickly replied “When I get there, I will let you know. Right now I am having too much fun to think about leaving.”

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