In today’s fast-paced world of modern policing, effective and precise report writing is crucial for successful criminal investigations. Recognizing the specific challenges departments face, Tyler Technologies developed its groundbreaking Report Writing Tool, setting a new standard in how officers document incidents and investigations. This solution goes beyond simply streamlining the process; it reshapes the entire reporting workflow, resolving persistent issues in police documentation and enabling officers to focus more on their primary mission: community safety. As Aaron Beatty, Public Safety Communications Manager for the IT Department in the City of Oak Forest, describes it, “The system is phenomenal. It just works.”
Seamless CAD integration
One of the most significant advantages of Tyler’s Report Writing software is its seamless integration with CAD. Beatty explains: “When our dispatchers input data in CAD, [the system] will automatically pull the data into the report writing system. So, no more mistyping suspects’ or victims’ names and no more mistyping the plate information. The system does it automatically for you.”
This integration eliminates the need for officers to manually re-enter information that has already been captured during the initial call. When dispatchers input data into the CAD system, it automatically populates the corresponding fields in the report writing interface. This feature not only saves time but significantly reduces the risk of errors that can occur during manual data entry.
Real-time collaboration
Tyler’s Report Writing solution offers a unique feature that allows real-time collaboration. This is beneficial when dealing with complicated or high-risk investigations involving multiple officers or units. Officers and supervisors can work on the report together eliminating the need to send the report back and forth until the report is correct. Each change and recommendation is tracked to preserve the integrity of the report. Being able to collaborate without the need to reject the report saves valuable time and ensures accurate report writing.
Mobile reporting capabilities
Tyler’s Report Writing tool has exceptional mobile reporting capabilities, allowing law enforcement officers to efficiently create and submit reports from virtually anywhere via MDT, desktop, smartphone, or tablet. Beatty shared an example when an officer responded to a multiple-vehicle accident. The officer had Report Writing and Enterprise Law Enforcement Field Mobile app installed on his cell phone, so he was able to add people and vehicles into the system using his phone instead of having to run back to the car.
This feature proves invaluable in complex cases involving multiple people or vehicles. An officer can use their phone to input the data in real-time on the street, and that data will be pulled directly into Report Writing. This eliminates the need for redundant data entry and ensures all team members have access to the most up-to-date information.
Work without an internet connection
In harsh weather, disaster areas, or large events, an officer’s WiFi connection may not work. Normally, this would significantly slow an officer’s investigation. However, Tyler’s Report Writing solution can work without a WiFi connection. The officer can continue to input the information into their phone, document details and even take photos. When the officer regains connection, this information will sync up with any other data input into the report. This happens seamlessly without much effort by the user.
NIBRS compliance
Another unique feature of Tyler’s Report Writing solution is the automatic National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) integration. Law enforcement agencies are facing significant challenges as they transition from the Federal Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) requirements to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This shift, while aimed at improving the quality and detail of crime data, has introduced several complexities. Tyler’s Report Writing is specifically designed to manage NIBRS requirements. If an officer makes a NIBRS mistake, the system will flag that mistake so the officer can correct it before submitting the report for approval. Beatty explained that Report Writing has dramatically reduced NIBRS errors simply because the system uses integrated NIBRS data to flag errors. This then extends into the reporting and analytics capabilities to allow for tracking and reporting of this information.
Custom fields and flexibility
Tyler’s Report Writing tool offers customization capabilities that allow law enforcement agencies to tailor their data collection processes to meet their unique reporting requirements. With user-defined fields, agencies can capture specific data points relevant to their operations, such as details from special events, grant compliance metrics, and insights into domestic violence and violent crime. This flexibility streamlines workflows by eliminating irrelevant fields and improving the accuracy and quality of data collected.
Ultimately, the ability to customize data collection enhances reporting capabilities, enabling agencies to generate reports that align precisely with their analytical needs and operational objectives, and empowers them to make informed, data-driven decisions that better serve their communities.
Streamlined data entry
The system’s ability to pull existing information from the records management system further enhances efficiency. Beatty provides a compelling example: “We have a subject that we’ve contacted many times. He is our frequent flier. The officer doesn’t have to reinput the subject’s personal information. Instead, they can go right to the person tab in the new system. First name, last name, date of birth. It searches our records and says, ‘Hey, I have this guy. Can you confirm this is who we’re talking about?’ The officer hits one button and it dumps all the person’s data into the Report Writing solution.” The officer can then continue with his report instead of reentering the same data over and over.
In conclusion, Tyler’s Report Writing tool represents a significant leap forward in law enforcement technology. It addresses key pain points in the reporting process, such as data entry redundancy, collaboration challenges and compliance requirements. The system empowers officers to work more efficiently and effectively by incorporating the latest report-writing technology. As law enforcement agencies continue to seek ways to optimize their operations and improve community safety, solutions like Tyler’s Report Writing will play an increasingly crucial role in modernizing police work and enhancing public service delivery.
Key features of Tyler’s Report Writing solution:
- Seamless Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) integration
- Real-time collaboration
- Mobile reporting capabilities
- Offline functionality
- National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) compliance
- Custom fields and flexibility
- Streamlined data entry
Browser-based and accessible via MDT, desktop, smartphone, or tablet. Learn more here.
