When it comes to public safety solutions, most discussions focus on cameras and recordings and not the often-overlooked, less-visible part of the solution: data storage and security. First responder agencies rely on a variety of storage methods, including on-premises, cloud computing, or hybrid depending on the agency size and amount of data.

Law enforcement data may include reports, information from body-worn cameras, vehicle surveillance footage, and mug shots with criminal histories. To protect the privacy of this information, storage and security providers must comply with the requirements of the Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) security policy. They must acknowledge that they place restrictions and limitations on the access, use, storage, and dissemination of intelligence. Regulatory compliance mandates and internal policies also require agencies to retain data for weeks, months, and sometimes years.

Cybersecurity is another critical component of public safety data solutions. A major breach could not only force an agency to revert to manual processes, it could also put officers and the public at risk. Ultimately, the ability to access data for situational awareness gives officers additional knowledge and helps public safety agencies be more successful.