Three new tools at the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) are expected to allow officers to respond to more informed calls for service.
Police departments across the United States are finding innovative ways to implement technology to better serve voters, from more active use of social media to the deployment of drones. And while some concerns have been raised about the use of certain technologies by these departments, experts argue that the enhanced data will ultimately help improve population policing.
After all, that’s the value of the three tools APD highlighted this month: two technology-enabled community surveys and the Smart911 software.
APD Deputy Chief JJ Griego explained that increased community engagement is part of the court-approved settlement agreement with the Department of Justice, and that the Department needs a mechanism to monitor its progress. . His two tools for surveying communities are intended to help government agencies better understand public opinion and measure department performance.
The first survey tool uses SPIDR Tech and allows participants to complete their responses over the phone. The second uses Zencity, which is delivered digitally via social media. Griego said SPIDR Tech’s research focuses on personal experiences with executives, while Zencity’s research focuses on overall performance.
He also noted that the SPIDR Tech software measures responses about officers and call takers, and APD is using Esri technology to leverage that information to assess the performance of officers and area commanders more broadly. I said I understand it on a scale.
Griego said survey responses work similar to a content management system. For example, if the responses indicate a trend toward unprofessional behavior by officers, the department can incorporate that information into its early intervention system and proactively intervene.
To supplement the information provided through the survey, APD also introduced Smart911, a database that allows residents to create a profile about their household and provide potentially relevant information during 911 calls .
Griego gave several examples of information residents can include in their Smart911 profiles, including behavioral health issues, medical issues, medications and household pets. Griego said multiple times that due to the emergency nature of 911 calls, responders do not receive this information before being dispatched.
“But with this new platform, we’re going to get a lot more information than a regular 911 call,” Griego said. “Some of that information will coordinate our response.”
Griego said, for example, if police are responding to a call about a person with a behavioral health disorder, APD may send a mobile crisis response team to respond to the call. If police are responding to a call related to a medical issue, the fire department or ambulance may be called to respond.
The Autism Society of New Mexico issued a statement in a statement highlighting the value this technology brings to helping APD serve local residents with autism. The organization said that while a lack of information can have tragic consequences, the technology will complement APD training and help police officers improve their interactions with people with autism.
Griego gave the example that people with autism have sensory issues and can be bothered by loud noises. If a police officer responding to a call in an area where an autistic person lives is aware of this, he or she may choose not to use their car siren.
Although the department is just beginning to use the technology, Griego said it has already proven to be very beneficial.
Residents can enter information online or through the Smart911 mobile app. Those who do not have access to the internet or internet-enabled devices at home can seek assistance at public libraries or at one of the APD substations located throughout the city.
Griego, APD’s language access coordinator, emphasized the value of a platform that allows residents to enter information using multiple languages. Once accessed by dispatchers, they will be able to view that information in English.
Additionally, to alleviate community concerns about privacy, Griego said the department will not access or use personal information provided on the Smart911 platform unless a 911 call is made. . The person who answers the call verifies the information and passes it to responders dispatched to the scene.
Griego said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller is a “technology-minded” man who helped support APD with the resources, services and hardware it needed to better serve the community. praised.
These new tools complement the Department’s existing technology tools, such as those used through the Real-Time Crime Center. Griego said, as with any new technology, the department needs to weigh its benefits and how it can integrate with existing technology already in use in APDs.
