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Technology

Technology is changing the way that organizations operate, and law enforcement is no exception.  The Miami Springs Police Department continues to seek ways to employ new technology to our advantage as we fight crime and serve our community.

Reverse 911 Interactive Community Notification System

This is a computerized system which enables the Police Department to alert residents by telephone any time a mass notification is appropriate.  Some examples would be notices of Police BOLO's, road closings, weather warnings, community meetings, and special public safety notifications.  Calls can be made from a list or based on geographic location.

Fingerprinting System

The Department purchased the Digit 10 Fingerprinting System in fiscal year 2003-2004.  This system is inkless, lightweight, and portable.  Officers can take it to remote locations and fingerprint on site for background checks and similar functions.  This will enable us to serve the community better in this aspect.

Mobile Data Terminals

The Miami Springs Police Department recently purchased 10 Mobile Data Terminals for use in the patrol units.  The goal of this purchase was to give the officers in the field access to necessary data from NCIC/FCIC without calling the dispatcher.  Each shift is staffed by only one dispatcher at a time.  This dispatcher receives calls from the public, monitors two radio frequencies simultaneously, dispatches officers to calls for service, inputs data into the CAD, and monitors the officers on duty.  Many times, a dispatcher is so busy handling these various responsibilities that an officer will have to wait to receive information that they requested.  This delay can endanger an officer’s life.  Once an officer can access NCIC/FCIC from the patrol vehicle, the dispatcher will be relieved of this additional duty, and the officer will have the information at his/her fingertips. 

Additionally, the public is better served if officers can remain in their patrol vehicles while writing and transmitting reports, as opposed to returning to the station and writing the reports in the squad room.   The expedition of this process also makes records more readily available to all members of the Department. 

Investigative Tools The Investigative Unit upgraded its computerized data bases by installing two new software programs, Accurint (faster and more thorough background checks) and Identi-Kit (composite drawings of wanted subjects).

Computer Voice Stress Analyzer

In October of 2003, the Police Department began utilizing a computerized voice stress analyzer (CVSA).  This unit is similar to a polygraph in that it analyzes the truthfulness of statements.  The ability to determine the accuracy of statements greatly streamlines investigations by allowing investigators to focus on factual information and legitimate leads. The advantage over a polygraph is that it much more simple to operate and is at least as accurate.  The purchase of this equipment was paid for with Law Enforcement Trust Funds.