PA CAPITAL AREA: A BRING YOUR OWN SYSTEM APPROACH TO DATA SHARING
PA Capital Area: A Bring Your Own System Approach to Data Sharing By: Myles Tillotson, freelance author for police and public-safety
The Capital Area Police Exchange (CAPE) affords 33 agencies real-time unified search and sharing across their diverse Records Management System (RMS) platforms. This article explores a unique approach adopted by Dauphin and Cumberland Counties that allows contributing agencies to share data, regardless of the RMS system they use at the agency.
PA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
Almost a decade ago, the Dauphin County selected a common RMS platform to allow participating agencies to share summary master index information with each other and the DA’s Office. However, as several departments transitioned away from the common RMS to other RMS platforms that better met their respective needs, they grew concerned about the future of their data-sharing capabilities. “We questioned how we could maintain and improve our information sharing if we weren’t on the same RMS,” said Chief Garth Warner of the Derry Township Police Department. “We couldn’t lose the ability to search county-wide. One key piece of information from another RMS can break a case.” With agencies jumping ship off of the common RMS, a new approach to sharing was needed. This also presented the perfect opportunity to expand their data sharing beyond just summary master index information and beyond county lines across the Capital region. Dave Holl, Director of Public Safety for Lower Allen Township, appreciates the value of a multi-county information sharing consortium. “The more data the better”, he says. “It helps us all to work smarter, not harder, especially during a pandemic.”
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