Evidence room audits continue to unearth instances of missing documents, files, and assets, resulting in the dismissal of ongoing criminal cases. Unfortunately, thousands of agencies still rely on traditional logbooks and spreadsheets, unable to keep up with mounting work.
An evidence management system can transform law enforcement departments because it allows users to maintain a chain of custody, keep track of evidence along every step of the process, and generate custom reports to present later. If you’re on the fence about introducing new technology to your agency, here’s why you should invest.
Reason 1 – Evidence Is More Accessible
As in any industry, the police sector must embrace upcoming technologies to improve public safety and streamline law enforcement operations. Manually labeling evidence is time-consuming and limits your workforce to menial tasks.
With an evidence management system, users can swiftly access the appropriate information and avoid mishandling assets. You can add attachments to the log for a piece of evidence such as photos, documents, emails, lab reports, and even clips or the pertinent section of a long video.
By automating specific actions, you take time off the hands of valuable employees who would be lending their expertise elsewhere. Similarly, you’re also saving overtime hours by streamlining the process.
Reason 2 – It Offers Barcode Scanning
For data-heavy businesses, physical tags and labels are virtually impossible to keep track of without technology. An evidence management system allows agencies to conduct physical inventory for evidence and assets with a barcode scanner.
Users can install the software on any desktop, laptop, or tablet, scanning shelf location barcodes and the barcode on each piece of evidence. The software then collects this data, comparing it to program information to detect whether items are missing, checked out, or in the wrong location.
Reason 3 – Everything Is Automated
When it comes to logging evidence, manual data entry is long outdated and hardly economical. With an evidence management system, the journey from recovery to disposal is entirely automated.
The software can auto-fill fields on multiple pieces of evidence and support batch check-ins and check-outs to save time when processing destruct orders or purging evidence. Even running an audit is a fast process—the program will rely on a mathematical algorithm to select items for review. If you manage multiple property rooms, you can inventory them separately or all at once.
Reason 4 – It Improves Digital Security
When introducing new technologies, law enforcement officers must adhere to guidelines by the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The creation, viewing, modification, transmission, dissemination, storage, and destruction of data adhere to specific policies.
With the assistance of digital solutions, agencies can encrypt and password-secure critical data and information that they would otherwise achieve manually. You can limit access to specific factions within the agency to avoid placing evidence in the hands of those who don’t need it. Evidence tracking systems are virtually impenetrable, especially when coupled with standard security measures.
Store, Track, and Secure Your Evidence
The best way to assist your investigators is to simplify the process and eliminate time-consuming tasks achievable through technology. A growing number of agencies look more in-depth into more forensic material—not an easy task for the ill-equipped.
With PMI Evidence Tracker™, you can take advantage of advanced features and make better use of your time. Our evidence management system is reliable, high-performing, and ultimately makes the job easier. Contact us today!
