Editor’s note: “Voices of Leadership: Interviews with Command Staff” is a mini-podcast series sponsored by Peregrine that brings you in-depth conversations with law enforcement leaders who share how community connection, innovation and collaboration are transforming public safety. Each episode highlights real-world examples of strategies that have made communities safer, from integrating cutting-edge technologies to fostering stronger ties with citizens and city departments.
Join us to learn from the experiences of command staff as they discuss challenges, successes, and their vision for the future of policing.
Want to learn more about how technology is shaping public safety? Check out Connected Communities: The Future of Community Safety for insights into how digital tools and innovative approaches are helping law enforcement build stronger, safer communities.
Download this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or via RSS feed, and watch the video version on Police1’s YouTube channel.
In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, law enforcement agencies are grappling with how to integrate new tools effectively. Drones, real time crime centers, artificial intelligence and digital forensics are reshaping the landscape of policing, offering agencies the ability to process vast amounts of data, enhance situational awareness and improve officer decision-making. But adopting new technology isn’t just about purchasing the latest gadget — it requires a shift in mindset, policies and training.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Eric Wood, former IT director for the Chula Vista (California) Police Department and now security and compliance manager at Peregrine, to discuss how law enforcement can navigate these challenges and maximize the potential of emerging technology.
Wood shares insights into the technological advancements that are redefining modern policing and the critical role of AI and data integration in streamlining law enforcement operations. They also discuss the hurdles agencies face when implementing new technology, from officer skepticism to state-level privacy restrictions, and how departments can build confidence in tech-driven policing.
Tune in to discover:
- How Chula Vista PD transformed from a “technology turtle” into an innovation leader
- The biggest challenges in integrating AI, drones and predictive policing tools
- Why data consolidation is the next major hurdle for real time crime centers
- How AI could (or should) change report writing and case management in the near future
- What law enforcement leaders need to consider before investing in the next big thing
About our sponsor
Peregrine’s real-time decision and operations management platform empowers law enforcement agencies with the data they need to solve their hardest problems and do their best work. Through advanced data integration technology, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real-time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real-time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.
Key takeaways from this episode
- Bridging the gap between IT and frontline policing: Understanding officer workflows is critical to developing technology that seamlessly integrates with daily operations. Ride-alongs and direct engagement help IT teams design more intuitive systems.
- Data overload is the new challenge: Many agencies have invested in high-tech tools, but disconnected data silos make it difficult to access critical insights in real-time. The next phase is integration.
- AI is both a game-changer and a challenge: While AI can assist in investigations and administrative tasks like report writing, concerns over accuracy, explainability and court admissibility remain major roadblocks.
- A shift in mindset is key to successful adoption: Technology skepticism among officers and leaders can slow progress. Agencies that engage with their communities and transparently implement policies around tech use see higher acceptance rates.
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