Secure Mobile Data Terminal Software for Police

The police department in your town has decided to purchase a new secure mobile data terminal (MDT) software system for its patrol cars. The system must be able to securely store and transmit large amounts of data, including sensitive information such as criminal records and confidential informants’ names. It must also be able to interface with the department’s existing software. Finding a mobile data terminal that fits the needs of your agency and interfaces with records management software is critical in responding to and tackling crime.

What is a mobile data terminal?

Mobile data terminals (MDTs) are electronic devices that law enforcement officers use in their vehicles to access information and enter data. MDTs typically include a keyboard, a display screen, and a printer. They may also have other features, such as GPS navigation and mapping capabilities, voice recognition software, and the ability to interface with law enforcement databases.

History of mobile data terminals for police

In the 1980s, MDTs were used to download dispatch messages directly to an officer’s vehicle and as a direct inquiry to State and Federal databases as well as local intelligence with notebook computers. They were bulky and expensive, and only a few police departments could afford them.

In the 90s, MDTs became more affordable and widespread, as they became smaller and more powerful. GPS enabled statewide mobile data bank networks in automatic vehicles location (AVL) to be added to the MDTs.

By the mid-2000s, most police agencies had some form of mobile data terminal in their patrol fleet, but the devices and software varied greatly. Today, MDTs are as small as a smartphone or tablet and critical for officers to have to access and track criminal activity.

How do law enforcement mobile data terminals work today?

Today’s systems are designed to be much more user-friendly and efficient than the earlier adaptations. Modern MDTs feature a new interface that is easier to use, as well as support for multiple users across various department roles. Additionally, it is designed to be more secure, with data encryption and other security features such as CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) compliance. Newer systems are designed to be compatible with the department’s existing software, so that officers can seamlessly transition to the new system. Converting old data into the new interface can be cumbersome, but software engineers are equipped to handle millions of records and make the transition from antiquated to modern with ease.

Today, transparency is a key component of modern policing. While it seems like a daunting task, the aftermath of being on modern mobile data terminals and software is that officers and personnel are now being more efficient in their job and serving communities with broader reach.

What are the benefits of using a mobile data terminal?

Mobile data terminals can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of police officers by providing them with quick and easy access to information. MDTs can also help officers stay organized and keep track of their work, as well as increase the accuracy of their reports. In addition, MDTs can help improve communication between police officers and dispatch centers.

Through data-sharing across jurisdictions, MDTs and modern software equip officers with technology to find a missing person in North Carolina that was reported in South Carolina. Pressing into the use of mobile data terminals has revolutionized the way officers are able to perform in the field to fight against crime.

 Police agencies have placed an immense importance in the development of mobile data software systems to provide their officers with the most advanced, user-friendly, and efficient tools available. Some of the benefits of a secure mobile data terminal software system for police include:

  1. Increased efficiency and accuracy in data entry

Law Enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order in society. They need to enter data into their mobile devices while on duty. This data includes information about criminals, victims, and witnesses. In the past, police officers used paper and pen to record this data. This was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. A mobile data terminal equipped with intuitive software ensures that fields are correctly being filled.

2. The ability to interface with existing technologies

Software is crucial for any business. In the public safety industry, this is no different. Mobile data terminals (MDTs) in police cars are one such example of an essential piece of technology that needs to be compatible with various software applications.

3. Cloud accessible secure software

Nowadays, there is a growing need for police departments to have access to secure mobile data terminals in order to help them respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies. However, with the rise of cloud computing, there is also a heightened concern about the security of these systems. In order to ensure that police departments can take advantage of this technology, partnering with cloud-based solutions is critical.

and most importantly…

4. Harness the power of real-time data in using mobile data terminals

In an age of big data, police forces are extremely reliant on mobile data terminals (MDTs) to help them make sense of the substantial amounts of data they now have at their disposal. By connecting MDTs to secure databases, officers can access and update information in real time, whether it is responding to a call or sharing critical data across jurisdictions, real-time data helps save lives and increase community outcomes.

Real-time data look-up is not only efficient, but it can also help to keep officers safe. In the past, an officer would have to approach a vehicle not knowing who they were dealing with. Now, with the tap of a finger, an officer should have all the latest information they need at their disposal. In addition, leveraging cloud-based software on mobile data terminals allows officers to pull records on repeat offenders, share critical information with other departments if needed, and ultimately streamline reporting efforts.

The availability of real-time data is increasing, allowing officers to have more insight and knowledge in the field. An officer who in the past could only check data no more than 10 times per shift can now look up over 100 data points in relation to people, vehicles and more. The ability to look up the data in real-time with mobile data terminals is unlimited and enables officers to disseminate the information from data to handle each incident they encounter. Tracking criminal activity via secure software is the future of policing. Understanding patterns of crime across communities enables agencies to allocate resources where necessary to combat crime. However, this process is often hindered by outdated or inaccurate data. Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) software provides police with the ability to quickly and accurately input data related to criminal activity, which can then be used to generate crime maps and heat maps.

Real-time data can also help with the prioritization of missions. For example, locating high-alert suspects for murder or missing persons cases. With real-time look up capability and data-sharing – apprehending criminals can go from weeks to days. Mobile data terminals (MDTs) in police vehicles are an example of how real-time data is being used by law enforcement. MDTs are rugged, hand-held devices that give officers access to criminal databases, mapping software and other tools while on patrol. The software that powers MDTs is critical for keeping officers safe.

Why is secure software important?

It is important to have secure software for a variety of reasons. First, it helps protect your computer from malware and other security threats. Second, it can help prevent data loss or theft. Third, it can help ensure that your personal information remains confidential. Finally, it can help you avoid legal liabilities.

When choosing a secure mobile data terminal software system for the police, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Protection of privacy of individuals and confidential informants

Software has to have the capability to encrypt and decrypt information.

2. Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information

Law enforcement agencies have always been a target for criminals. To thwart these attacks, the police have adopted various security measures, including the use of secure mobile data terminal software. This software helps to protect sensitive information stored on the mobile devices used by police officers.

3. Ensure data is transmitted securely and cannot be intercepted or tampered with

Police mobile data terminals (MDTs) are used to access and transmit sensitive information, making security a top priority. The software that powers MDTs must be designed with security in mind to ensure that data is transmitted securely and cannot be intercepted or tampered with.

4. Ability to remotely disable the system if it is lost or stolen

This ensures that if an officer’s device is lost or stolen, the data on the device cannot be accessed by anyone who finds it. This is a critical security measure that helps protect sensitive information pertaining to investigations.

5. Support for multiple users with different levels of access

MDTs and its software need to support multiple users with different levels of access, so that each user can only view and edit the data that they are authorized to see. This ensures that sensitive information is kept secure and confidential.

So what next?

Now that we know how important mobile data terminals are for police officers, let’s take a look at the software that powers them.

Purchasing MDTs is an important decision for any police department. The software must be reliable, affordable, and easy to use. It should also be compatible with the department’s existing systems and infrastructure.

When considering which software to purchase, it is important to consider the needs of your specific department. Some departments may require more advanced features than others. Choosing a solution that meets the needs of your department does not just stop at the purchase. Training, implementation, and on-going support are also critical factors in choosing software. You’ll want to make sure that your chosen software is intuitive and easy to use so that officers can be up and running quickly. Make sure to ask about training options and support services before making your final decision. When it comes to choosing software for your mobile data terminal, security should be a top priority. Look for software that offers robust security and two-factor authentication.

Why CivicEye?

Records management like CivicEye offers an end-to-end platform that integrates with ease for mobile data terminals. CivicEye software turns mobile data terminals into a powerful police tool. With our easy-to-use interface, officers can quickly access critical information while on the go. Our software is built with security in mind, so you can rest assured that your data is safe and confidential.

With the right software, a mobile data terminal can become an invaluable tool for police officers. CivicEye allow officers to quickly check for wanted persons and vehicles, send in-progress reports, and more with efficiency and ease. Officers are spending too much time inside the department reinventing reporting instead of on their beat.

With security being key, agencies need software that is reliable and resistant to attacks. With two-factor authentication, CivicEye keeps security top of mind.

Beyond the purchasing decision, other factors to consider the purchasing software is the training and implementation. Departments deserve more than just being given an access code and wishing officers well on becoming well versed on how their mobile data terminal and new software interface. CivicEye relies on its law enforcement veteran client success team for agencies to not just feel comfortable on new software, but how to harness its power and change the ways in which agencies are able to operate.

With a dedicated client success manager (CSM), the needs of your department do not just stop at the purchase and training. A CivicEye CSM is a dedicated partner to ensure that on-going needs and issues are addressed in a timely manner. Beyond this, CivicEye offers 365, 24-7 support. Those who protect and serve our communities work round the clock to keep people safe and deserve a support team who is on-call to support them.

Mobile Data Terminals have exited for years in police agencies, powering them with easy-to-use software is an added bonus for officers to be more efficient and effective at their jobs.


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CivicRMS

Designed and field-tested by law enforcement, CivicRMS is the ultimate high-performance records management system with single-entry data input and integrations.

More than just an application, CivicRMS is a powerful architecture engineered for the unique requirements of Law Enforcement. Designed and field-tested by law enforcement professionals, CivicRMS integrates our cloud-based solution with industry-related programs for a comprehensive, single entry system.

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