NCJ Number
228840
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 104,106,109
Date Published
September 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article introduces a platform for information sharing and interoperability among law enforcement agencies as seen through the development of the information-sharing organization known as the Pinellas Assembly.
Abstract
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) and the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) formed a partnership in order to combine their resources to enhance technological interoperability, improve incident response, increase officer safety, and provide a platform for the future. The two agencies partnered in the procurement process for a bi-directional interface within the communications and dispatch system, as well as the records management system and in-field computer reporting capabilities. The widespread growth of consolidation and collocation of public safety communication services has arisen out of a need for interoperability and regional communications. PCSO and CPD have proven that a strong partnership can achieve mutually beneficial goals. The advanced CAD-to-CAD interface empowers separate law enforcement agencies to operate their own systems according to their own business rules, yet have the ability to exchange incident information with the units in the field. This new platform ensures efficiency in interagency communication and response.