We write a lot about collaboration, networking, and Pennsylvanians working together. Nowhere is that principal more important than in the field of law enforcement, where a few critical hours and the addition of resources can mean the difference between triumph and tragedy. But its not just the cops on the street that need to communicate. Law enforcement data systems can help police find a perp who is in the wind or can help clear an innocent mans name. But first, they have to be able to find the information.
For over a decade now, the Berks County C.O.B.R.A. data sharing project has sought to connect all municipalities and their data systems together to create a comprehensive crime databank to keep track of everything from the people to the prints to the cop cars so that no stone goes unturned in the pursuit of justice. This month, data managers Cody Systems, who have helped streamline the rest of Berks County, announces the addition of the city of Reading. Reading is the county seat and, with 80,000 residents, becomes the largest county to make information available for the database.
In Reading, we had all this great information but we were missing the largest pot of information to protect officers on the street and the citizens they protect, says Cody Vice President Dave Heffner. With the inclusion of Readings information, its like the keystone of the whole project has fallen into place.
Previously, Readings data used a non-Cody CMS and was invisible to other officers in the field. Cody technicians, in partnership with county IT professionals, created a translator so that all data entered into Readings existing data systems would be automatically transmitted to the larger C.O.B.R.A. database. With all data visible, law enforcement in Berks County will all be on the same page.
This has been a long time coming, says Heffner, but we hope this transfer system will give a clearer picture for the officers in the field.
Source: Dave Heffner, Cody Data Systems
Writer: John Steele