Salt Communications had the privilege to exhibit at this year’s Home Office Security & Policing event, the official Government global security event. Security & Policing offers a world-class opportunity to meet, network and discuss the latest advances in delivering national security and resilience with UK suppliers, UK Government officials and senior decision makers across law enforcement and security from the UK and overseas.
Hosted by the Home Office’s Joint Security & Resilience Centre (JSaRC) between 9-11 March 2021, the three-day online event gave approved visitors and exhibitors access to an innovative, digital event experience from the comfort and safety of your own workspace due to COVID-19 restrictions.
During our three days of exhibiting at this year’s event we picked up many trends in the area of national security, but have covered 3 key trends in detail within the Security and Policing industry today. New technology, new tactics, and new philosophies have brought substantial improvements to law enforcement. The shift is led by police and law enforcement agencies around the globe, pioneering new ideas, adjusting to evolving contexts, and integrating insights from officers and stakeholders in the community.
The advances that form the future of law enforcement start with emerging technologies that encourage new tactical principles, enabling interventions and partnerships that sustain the protection of society.
1. The increase of Law Enforcement innovation
During a keynote discussion Graham Stuart MP, Department for International Trade Minister for Exports stated “There are a vast new range of innovative UK companies offering world class solutions who can help solve a range of problems from effectively securing borders, high quality equipment and solutions to aid Government and Policing sectors.”
Across the country, police and law enforcement departments are leading the change, experimenting with new ideas, adjusting to changing circumstances, and integrating feedback from officers and community partners. To gain a better understanding of how these cutting-edge practices can shape the future many officers stated that they must be able to access their environment at a fast pace. As they pursue public safety, they use technology for information on what to do next, scale up their successes, and become more active in their communities.
2. Technology is their new partner in the field
Increased use of technology has long been promoted as a way to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of government services, so it’s no surprise that the UK’s police forces are researching and engaging in creative new ways to make the streets safer. In several respects, police departments are similar to other organisations undergoing digital transitions, but they do have some special IT and digital investment requirements.
Mobile solutions, improved data and analytics, and cloud-hosted apps can all assist police officers in doing their duties more efficiently, allowing them to spend less time filling out paperwork and more time on the job. Most police forces in the UK now issue their officers tablets or smartphones to use while on the beat to record statements and access critical information like the Police National Computer (PNC) and even live criminal intelligence. Previously, officers would record their notes in a notebook before returning to the station to type them on a computer, print them, and file them in a paper file – a time-consuming process.
Body-worn cameras and handheld fingerprint scanners have also been tested in the field, allowing officers to recognise individuals without having to return to the station. Body-worn cameras are expected to become more commonly used throughout the country as the advantages of trials and pilots are recognised. Now due to the widespread usage of smartphones and mobile apps in our personal lives, police officers are becoming more comfortable with technology and responding in ways that were previously unthinkable, and many of the same resources used in offices around the country are just as important.
3. Evidence-based policing is on the rise
Evidence-based policing can examine data on the results of police incidents to help identify the most successful approaches and instruments while avoiding the use of techniques that appear to make situations worse.
Evidence-based policing aims to pair police officers with outside support, such as academic analysts or computer engineers, to help them concentrate their attention on the most successful police work in an era where many officers are being asked to do more and more with fewer resources. That’s just what New Zealand’s national police discovered when they formed their Evidence Based Policing Unit.
Researchers will now browse through data to see where enforcement efforts will be most appropriate (for example, focusing on drug trafficking at the island nation’s airports) and where officers’ time will be better spent.
Although technology, strategies, and devices can continue to evolve, the essence of law enforcement remains the same: working diligently to enhance community interaction and public safety. Innovation is expected to bring greater insight and security than ever before, but in the next century, the same professionalism and discipline that brought law enforcement over the last century will remain crucial to success.
We recognise that Policing has its unique requirements and that’s why we are here to help agencies secure their conversations, and take full control of their communications. If you require further assistance feel free to reach out to our team for more information on this article. To sign up for a free trial of Salt Communications or to talk to a member of the Salt Communications team, please contact us on info@saltcommunications.com.
About Salt Communications
Salt Communications is a multi-award winning cyber security company providing a fully enterprise-managed software solution giving absolute privacy in mobile communications. It is easy to deploy and uses multi-layered encryption techniques to meet the highest of security standards. Salt Communications offers ‘Peace of Mind’ for Organisations who value their privacy, by giving them complete control and secure communications, to protect their trusted relationships and stay safe. Salt Communications is headquartered in Belfast, N. Ireland, for more information visit our website.
