Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/342119
C onnections are sort of an unofficial theme of this issue. Every day we make new connections, connect the dots, and even miss connections altogether. In public safety a 'better connection' can streamline a process or save a life. In the story Integrating LIMS (p. 10), Robert Galvin writes about the steps some agencies are taking to link pro- cesses and systems in automated foren- sic labs. Even though many crime labs now employ a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), some of these labs are still disengaged from their LIMS. Integration is critical to unlock- ing these systems' potential, avoiding pockets of lost information. In 2013 Kansas City Police Department, after battling system incompatibility, acquired manage- ment software program that combined evidence management systems. Since the integration, KCPD Captain Mark Terman says they have a tighter chain of custody and workflow has improved, as have lab report results. In this issue's Talking Points (p. 36) we take on Big Data connections. How does your agency efficiently use all that data from smartphones, neighboring jurisdictions, NCIC and RMS? (And how does the reality conflict with what the public thinks you can do?) Today's real challenge of Big Data isn't creating the data, but harnessing it across sys- tems and channeling it toward a respon- sible and actionable purpose. Finally, in Left to die, (p. 26) Michelle Perin brings to light a trou- bling fact: in a recent study the FCC estimated 10,000 people die each year because first responders cannot find them after they call 911 via a mobile device. This is especially true when a caller is inside a vertical, multi-storied structures, where wireless location accuracy decreases. The answer to this tragic inefficiency may lie in improved indoor location technology, updated FCC mandates, and state-of-the-art tech in local, state and county governments. The technology exists to unite more systems—new and old—resulting in better speed, clarity and overall safety on the job. Check your connections to see if you can't make life a bit better for yourselves or the public you serve. ■ 6 Law Enforcement Technology July 2014 www.officer.com Check your connections Cygnus Business Media John French, Chief Executive Officer Paul Bonaiuto, Chief Financial Officer Ed Wood, Vice President of Human Resources Julie Nachtigal, Vice President of Audience Development Eric Kammerzelt, Vice President of Technology Curt Pordes, Vice President of Production Operations Ed Nichols, VP of Events Cygnus Business Media 1233 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Phone: (800) 547-7377 Editorial e-mail: editor@letonline.com Fax: (920) 563-1702 Web site: www.officer.com Integrated Media Consultants Scott Bieda, Executive Vice President of Public Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 2725 Michael George, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1143 Kelly Bisco, Associate Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1360 Nick Palasini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1676 Lindsey Gajewski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1354 Nikki Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1317 Classified Ad Sales (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1326 Classified Ad Fax: (920) 328-9003 List Rental Elizabeth Jackson, Merit Direct LLC (847) 492-1350 Ext. 18, Fax: (847) 492-0085 E-mail: ejackson@meritdirect.com Web site: meritdirect.com/cygnus Reprint Services To purchase article reprints please contact Nick Iademarco at Wright's Media at (877) 652-5295 Ext. 102 or e-mail niademarco@wrightsmedia.com. Editorial Director Frank Borelli Editors Sara Scullin Jonathan Kozlowski Contributing Editors Lindsey Bertomen Carole Moore Senior Art Director — Public Safety & Security Bobbi Burow Media Production Representative Connie Heffron Audience Development Manager Sharon Haberkorn For subscription information or change of address please call (877) 382-9187 or (847) 559-7598, fax (800) 543-5055 or e-mail circ.LETmag@omeda.com. L A W MEDIA CYGNUS EDITOR'S LOG Sara Scullin Editor For questions, news tips and comments, e-mail editor@letonline.com. LET_06-07_EditLog0714.indd 6 6/25/14 11:55 AM