Big Lake Police Select iCrimeFighter Mobile Solution

When Joel Scharf took over as Chief of Police of the Big Lake (Minn.) Police Department, which protects the 11,000 population city between Minneapolis and St. Cloud, he wanted to provide his twelve officers with a way for them to use an iPad to integrate all of its capabilities into a platform in the field that would let the officers only have to carry one item.

"We began experimenting with a couple iPads and tried a variety of options that were hindered by the lack of an internet connection or the amount of data we were trying to push through the system," remembered Scharf. "Through a demonstration at a trade show, we realized that we could use the iCrimeFighter mobile solution to tie together audio recordings, photos, video and dictation from the field. Best of all, the system is straight-forward and user friendly for a group of officers, all of who were not tech savvy."

Everything is done leveraging the powerful tools within smart phones and tablets, along with the resourceful iCrimeFighter mobile app. As a result, officers can very simply and easily capture video, audio, photographs, dictation and notes to document the case while at the scene.

Once the evidence is captured, the system then organizes the evidence by case, saving hours of routine paperwork, and automatically uploads it to a secure cloud server for later retrieval and processing through a secure portal at www.iCrimeFighter.com. Information is then removed from the smart phone or tablet. As such, it provides a single solution for all basic evidence gathering requirements, replacing the multiple devices and outmoded software systems being used today. On average, users save 30 minutes per case.

"For our officers, we selected iPad Minis,” added Scharf.  “When they respond to a call, they create a case in the iCrimeFighter app. They can capture and import photos and video utilizing the iPad's camera but leveraging iCrimeFighter's camera function. They can do the same by utilizing the iPad's microphone to capture audio statements utilizing the recording feature within iCrimeFighter. This recording feature is also what we are currently using to dictate reports and attach them from the field for transcription.

"Once a case in iCrimeFighter is complete, it's uploaded to iCrimeFighter's secure server. This connection adheres to the National Institute of Justice Standards for security and encryption. Data on the iCrimeFighter server can be viewed by the officer who uploaded it. Additionally, those with administrative rights can alter or delete this data and/or view the data of others.

"Our records staff then downloads the data from the server. The entire package is bundled into a ZIP file that makes transmission fast and efficient. Records staff then imports the files into the appropriate locations in the CAD/RMS system or Transcription."

The iCrimeFighter system is available now from the Apple App Store. Simply download to the smart device by registering for access to iCrimeFighter.com. To continue using the service, simply sign up. There is no long-term contract and pricing is only $12 per month per user.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.