Driven by data: Innovations shaping the future of investigations
Law enforcement has seen many operational advancements in recent years, but possibly none with as significant an impact as the introduction of a data-driven approach to investigations. In a world where identity information is both vast and rapidly changing, police departments must remain both agile and adaptable to these shifts if they want to continue conducting thorough investigations, assessing threats, and maintaining public safety. Introducing data-driven methods into policing and investigations can help to empower agencies with solutions that leverage new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud to solve cases faster while improving the safety of officers and communities alike. AI/ML: Adopting and integrating new tech The modern landscape of criminal activity demands a robust response from law enforcement. Traditional investigative methods, while still valuable, are increasingly being supplemented and enhanced by technology. AI/ML-powered platforms, particularly those that are cloud-native, offer law enforcement agencies the most current tools they need to conduct more effective and efficient investigations. Only AI and ML can process the ocean of data that’s available today, while also being able to recognize and surface the most important details relevant to your mission. This is done at a scale that is impossible for a single person, or even whole departments, to do on their own—and at speeds unimaginable just a few years ago. This capability helps investigators to quickly sift through large datasets, identify patterns, and generate leads that would otherwise remain hidden. For example, AI algorithms can analyze communication patterns, financial transactions, and social media activity to identify suspicious behavior or connections between individuals that might not be immediately apparent. Cloud-native platforms further enhance these capabilities by providing scalability, flexibility, and real-time access to data. With a cloud-native solution platform, officers and investigators can now access data from any location, collaborate across departments or agencies, and share critical information seamlessly. The inherent scalability of a cloud-native solution ensures that as data volumes grow, the platform can expand to meet demand without compromising performance. This is particularly valuable in large-scale or complex investigations involving multiple suspects, jurisdiction, and data sources. As such, any data solution that is not cloud-native should be considered outmoded and risks placing a department behind the curve for future investigations. Moreover, the essential integration of AI/ML-powered data solutions into law enforcement operations and workflows should be prioritized within due diligence and threat assessment processes. Solutions that leverage these technologies significantly increase the speed and accuracy of tasks like data collection and preliminary analysis, allowing investigators to instead focus on the more complex aspects of a case. In addition to time savings, the reduced risk of human error within these tasks shouldn’t be discounted as positive case outcomes often rely on the accuracy of data gleaned. Mobile capabilities: A simple solution to a critical need The availability of mobile app capabilities for investigative tools like data platforms can have a considerable impact on policing and investigations. Investigations occur where crimes are committed—in the field and away from the desk. That’s why mobile-capable solutions that can be easily integrated into law enforcement operations, regardless of where those operations take place, provide a significant advantage in terms of the speed and accessibility of mission-critical data. Mobile capabilities empower officers and investigators to access data in real-time, something that’s particularly valuable in time-sensitive situations such as ongoing investigations or when responding to a crime scene. A dedicated mobile app allows investigators to instantly and easily retrieve information about a suspect, verify identities, or cross-reference data with existing records—all while on the move, and with the ease and portability that even a laptop can’t match. Additionally, these apps can offer improved information sharing with features that enable real-time communication and collaboration among team members. For example, an officer in the field could share information with colleagues at the station or in different locations, ensuring that everyone is working with the most up-to-date intelligence. This level of connectivity not only speeds up the investigative process but also enhances coordination and decision-making. Another benefit to using data platforms with mobile app capabilities is the ability to capture and upload data directly from the field. Officers can take photographs, record videos, and input observations into the app, which are then instantly available to the entire investigative team. This immediacy reduces the risk of losing valuable information and ensures that all data is centralized and accessible. Improved and more robust reporting is a natural outcome for this operational advancement. Building a case: The foundation will always be (good) data In any investigation, the ability to accurately locate, identify, and verify individuals and entities is paramount. This is where robust identity intelligence platforms come into play. These solutions aggregate data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of a person’s or business’s identity, history, and associations. For law enforcement, having access to accurate and up-to-date identity intelligence is critical for several reasons. It aids in locating individuals who may be suspects, witnesses, or persons of interest. Whether it’s tracking down a suspect who has fled the jurisdiction or verifying the identity of a witness, having reliable identity data can significantly expedite the process and have a meaningful impact on outcomes. Identity intelligence platforms are also vital in detecting and preventing fraud. In cases involving financial crimes, for example, investigators can use these platforms to identify patterns of fraudulent activity, track the movement of funds, and uncover connections between seemingly unrelated entities, events, and persons. This level of insight is invaluable in building a case and successfully bringing perpetrators to justice. Additionally, the role that these platforms play in assessing potential threats cannot be understated. By analyzing an individual’s history, associations, and behavior, officers and investigators can proactively identify risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. This is particularly crucial for cases involving domestic terrorism, organized crime, or other serious threats to public safety. Finally, identity intelligence is essential for due diligence in various contexts, such as background checks, employment screenings, and vetting individuals for sensitive roles. Ensuring that individuals are who they claim to be and have no hidden history that could pose a risk is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the integrity and safety of any organization or community. Real-Time Crime Centers: Putting data into action As law enforcement agencies continue to introduce innovative policing methods, the creation of real-time crime centers (RTCCs) has been a key factor in the expanded use of data as a strategy to solve and prevent crime. These centers act as hubs of operational intelligence, where data from various sources is collected, analyzed, and disseminated to officers in the field. RTCCs are equipped with advanced technologies and extensive databases that allow law enforcement agencies to respond to crimes more efficiently and deliberately. By leveraging solutions that integrate information across many information sources, these centers can provide officers with a comprehensive understanding of crime hot-spots, potential suspects, and possible threats in real-time. Takeaway: Investigative success relies on a data-driven approach Integrating modern technology and data insights into policing offers a significant step towards a more effective, efficient, and proactive approach to public safety. By analyzing data from the time and location of the crime, investigators can quickly identify suspects, vehicles, and other critical pieces of evidence. This rapid response capability is crucial in solving cases that might otherwise go cold due to delays in gathering and processing information. For law enforcement professionals across the United States, embracing these technologies and methodologies is not just an option; it is a necessity. As challenges continue to evolve, so must the strategies and tools used to address them. By leveraging data-driven approaches, police departments can enhance their investigative capabilities, protect their communities, and ensure that justice is served in a timely and effective manner. About IDI IDI is a leader in identity intelligence, facilitating real-time identification and location of individuals, businesses, assets, and their interrelationships. Our cloud-native, AI/ML-powered technology delivers comprehensive, real-time coverage of nearly 100% of the U.S. adult population. With IDI you can: Sign up for a trial today.