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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 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.