The future of police tech: Smarter systems, faster insights, better policing

In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, law enforcement agencies are grappling with how to integrate new tools effectively. Drones, real time crime centers, artificial intelligence and digital forensics are reshaping the landscape of policing, offering agencies the ability to process vast amounts of data, enhance situational awareness and improve officer decision-making. But adopting new technology isn't just about purchasing the latest gadget — it requires a shift in mindset, policies and training. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Eric Wood, former IT director for the Chula Vista (California) Police Department and now security and compliance manager at Peregrine, to discuss how law enforcement can navigate these challenges and maximize the potential of emerging technology. Wood shares insights into the technological advancements that are redefining modern policing and the critical role of AI and data integration in streamlining law enforcement operations. They also discuss the hurdles agencies face when implementing new technology, from officer skepticism to state-level privacy restrictions, and how departments can build confidence in tech-driven policing. About our sponsor Peregrine’s real-time decision and operations management platform empowers law enforcement agencies with the data they need to solve their hardest problems and do their best work. Through advanced data integration technology, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real-time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real-time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.