The Secaucus (NJ) Police Department used web-based software to disseminate burglary footage to officers, leading to a quick identification and enhanced collaboration between detectives and patrol staff. The technology from Orlando, Florida-based PowerDMS enables agencies to upload their most important content into a web-based platform, then distribute it directly to officers' mobile devices or computers for review, according to the company.
Over the course of one night in August, burglaries took place at multiple Secaucus businesses. Security cameras at one of the locations captured footage of a suspect. While burglaries like this are not unusual, Secaucus PD detectives historically had no easy way to distribute surveillance video to patrol officers, whose community presence and knowledge make them the ideal resource for identifying and apprehending criminals. Already a PowerDMS customer, Secaucus Police Department Lieutenant Dennis Miller took the footage from detectives and thought to use the platform to distribute it to officers electronically. PowerDMS is web-based software that is often used to distribute department policy documents or training content, but worked equally well delivering the video footage directly to officers' laptops and mobile devices. Within hours, a patrol officer was able to view the video on his laptop and identify the suspect.
"Our detective division investigates the crimes, but in the past didn't have an easy way to share information like surveillance videos with patrol officers," explained Miller. "These officers are the ones on the street, day and night, and they are knowledgeable about the criminals."
By collaborating effectively, Secaucus PD detectives and patrol officers were able to apprehend a suspect quickly on an unrelated warrant, and not wait until shift meetings or other gatherings to share content that might lead to an immediate arrest. Continued Miller, "Our officers are a vital resource to the detective division and now that we've found a way to connect the two departments we have the ability to solve crimes faster than ever before."
About Secaucus Police Department
The law enforcement professionals of the Secaucus Police Department serve over 18,000 residents in the town of Secaucus, N.J. The police department patrols one of the main corridors leading to and from New York City. The department is committed to enhancing the quality of life by working in partnership with the community and recently achieved New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) accreditation. www.SecaucusNJ.gov
About PowerDMS
PowerDMS, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is cloud-based software that stores and distributes content online. The application provides practical tools to organize and manage crucial documents and industry standards, train and test employees, and uphold proof of compliance, thereby helping organizations reduce risk and liability. PowerDMS simplifies document management through powerful collaboration, process and automation. www.PowerDMS.com
