All around the country, law enforcement agencies are starting to look to cloud computing as a means to improve their overall operations and management. The benefits that the cloud is able to offer traditional businesses can carry over quite nicely into police departments of all sizes. According to recent data gathered from a survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, state and local law enforcement officials are starting to get on board with the idea of implementing more cloud computing technologies into their departments.
Benefits of Using the Cloud
LE agencies tend to appreciate many of the same elements for cloud applications as private companies and individuals. They are utilizing cloud email services, as well as cloud storage to ensure they have their files and information in a safe location that’s easily accessible. Currently 17% of departments surveyed are using cloud email, and 15% are using cloud storage. The survey also showed that an additional 29% are thinking about using cloud email and another 35% are considering storage options.
They are also excited about the possibility of utilizing cloud computing as a means to help with the backup of data and disaster recovery. It is certainly easier to access those important files when they are in the cloud than trying to restore them from a server that malfunctions. In the event of a natural disaster or a fire, onsite services could actually be destroyed. Going to the cloud makes sense to avoid these types of issues.
Additionally, the cloud will be making it easier to work with crime analysis and mapping applications. They will be able to connect with NCIC, the National Crime Information Center, more easily, for example.
Of course, the most popular reason that law enforcement agencies are considering cloud computing is that it has the potential to help when it comes to savings. Going to the cloud is simply easier and more cost effective than traditional server and storage systems. They do not want to have to manage all of their own hardware and software, and the various cloud technologies out there help to simplify things.
Choosing Cloud Computing for Law Enforcement
Finding the best quality cloud computing resources for law enforcement departments is not always easy though, as they need to be able to meet certain requirements. The IACP offers some suggestions for those who are trying to find the best options for their department. They suggest that they only work with cloud providers who are able to offer topnotch security policies that are in line with the FBI CJIS policies. They also need to ensure that they will be able to retain the ownership of their data, and that the cloud provider does not analyze the data or process it.
Additionally, they should require that the data be able to work with a variety of different systems to offer the greatest available convenience to those who need to utilize it.
More Coming on Board the Cloud All the Time
While there are still a number of departments who are not on board with using cloud computing, they are changing their minds every day. More and more departments are starting to move into the 21st century with more following suit all the time, thanks to the many different benefits that these applications and services can offer.