Smart Squad and Bravo Foxtrot Join Forces in the United States

We are proud to announce an exciting new partnership between Smart Squad and Bravo Foxtrot, a premier provider of public safety technology solutions in the United States. This collaboration designates Bravo Foxtrot as both a reseller and integrator of Smart Squad, with a focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions to agencies and organizations nationwide.

CJIS-Compliant Hosting in Azure GovCloud

As part of this partnership, Bravo Foxtrot will host a CJIS-compliant instance of Smart Squad in Microsoft Azure GovCloud, ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance for law enforcement and other public safety agencies. This specialized hosting environment guarantees that sensitive data is safeguarded, meeting the stringent requirements of U.S. government agencies.

What This Means for U.S. Customers

Bravo Foxtrot’s role as a reseller and integrator will enhance the accessibility and implementation of Smart Squad across the United States. Customers can look forward to:

  • Secure and Compliant Hosting: The Azure GovCloud instance provides a reliable and secure foundation, specifically tailored to meet CJIS standards.
  • Seamless Integration: Bravo Foxtrot’s expertise ensures smooth deployment and integration of Smart Squad into existing workflows and systems.
  • Trusted Local Partner: With Bravo Foxtrot’s deep understanding of the U.S. market and its commitment to excellence, customers have a reliable partner to support their mission-critical operations.

Expanding the Reach of Smart Squad

The Smart Squad application is already transforming frontline operations with its real-time intelligence, essential functions, and communication tools in a single, intuitive platform. This partnership with Bravo Foxtrot represents a significant step forward in bringing these capabilities to more organizations in the United States, enabling teams to operate more efficiently and effectively.

A Vision for the Future

By aligning with Bravo Foxtrot, Smart Squad reaffirms its commitment to empowering those who serve and protect. This partnership not only expands our reach but also strengthens our ability to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions to U.S. customers.

Join Us in Celebrating

To mark this partnership, Bravo Foxtrot will offer exclusive onboarding packages for new Smart Squad customers, including enhanced support and consultation services. Details on these offerings will be shared soon.

Together, Smart Squad and Bravo Foxtrot are building a smarter, safer future for frontline professionals across the United States.

Meet Cody Rossing: The Newest Member of the Smart Squad Team!

We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Smart Squad team—Cody Rossing! With an impressive career spanning over a decade in emergency services, Cody brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication that perfectly aligns with our mission of excellence and innovation.

Since 2011, Cody has served in various emergency services roles, with a primary focus on law enforcement as a Peace Officer. His extensive experience includes working for municipalities across Alberta, encompassing both urban and rural communities, as well as serving at the provincial level. Cody’s career reflects a deep commitment to public safety and community well-being.

Beyond his role in law enforcement, Cody has distinguished himself as a leader in municipal government. As a manager, he oversees diverse protective services areas, including Enforcement Services, Fire Services, Emergency Management, RCMP Administration, and Automated Traffic Enforcement. His comprehensive understanding of these interconnected fields positions him as a tremendous asset to our team.

Cody’s dedication to his community extends far beyond his professional responsibilities. He has volunteered his time and expertise in various capacities across Alberta, contributing to organizations such as the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers, the Province of Alberta Attendance Board (Ministry of Education), and the Community Peace Officer Training Advisory Committee (Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services). He has also supported youth initiatives through the Strathcona Youth Justice Committee, among others.

In recognition of his exceptional service, Cody has been honored with the Life-saving Award from the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem Priory of Canada—a testament to his courage and commitment to protecting others.

We are excited to see Cody bring his passion, experience, and leadership to the Smart Squad. His multifaceted background will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Please join us in giving Cody a warm welcome as he embarks on this new journey with our team. We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions he’ll make!

#WelcomeCody #SmartSquad

Guarding Against Foreign Interference in Law Enforcement Technology

In the digital age, information has become a valuable currency, and its control is a significant aspect of national security. Foreign interference poses a substantial threat to Canadian law enforcement, potentially compromising the integrity of our democratic institutions and the safety of our communities.

Key Risks:

  • Data Sovereignty Challenges:
    Even when data is stored within Canada, foreign entities may access it through international agreements or covert means, undermining control over sensitive information.
  • Influence on Technology Providers:
    Tech companies, regardless of their Canadian presence, might be influenced or controlled by foreign interests, leading to potential vulnerabilities in law enforcement tools.
  • Targeted Cyber Threats:
    Foreign actors, particularly from nations like China, have engaged in cyber activities aimed at Canadian institutions, including law enforcement agencies. These activities can involve espionage, intellectual property theft, and other malicious actions.

Protective Measures:

  • Enhanced Scrutiny of Tech Partnerships:
    Law enforcement must rigorously evaluate technology providers to ensure they are free from foreign influence and adhere to stringent data protection standards.
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity Protocols:
    Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential to defend against sophisticated cyber threats and maintain the integrity of law enforcement operations.
  • Promoting Transparency and Accountability:
    Engaging with tech firms that prioritize transparency and are committed to resisting foreign interference is crucial for building trust and ensuring the security of law enforcement technologies.

By acknowledging the value of information and the risks associated with foreign interference, Canadian law enforcement can take proactive steps to protect our communities and uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions.

Resources on Foreign Interference in Canada

Navigating the Digital Evidence Maze in Policing

Managing digital evidence in law enforcement can sometimes feel like navigating a busy intersection – tricky and fast-paced. But with the right tools and approach, we can make the process smoother and more efficient. The reality is that no single solution exists to handle the multitude of systems law enforcement agencies rely on, from CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) systems and RMS (Records Management Systems) to Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS), Intelligence systems, and Situational Awareness tools.

The Reality of Digital Evidence

When it comes to managing digital evidence, there’s no perfect solution. Policing today requires a mix of technologies from multiple vendors, which don’t always work well together. From remembering different login credentials to keeping track of which tool handles what, it can be overwhelming. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These systems, essential for managing various aspects of law enforcement operations, were not designed to integrate seamlessly, which can create silos of data and inefficiencies.

Why So Many Tools?

You might wonder, “Why can’t we just use one tool for everything?” The digital world is vast, and different situations require different tools. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t use a wrench to fix a computer, and you shouldn’t rely on a single tool for every type of evidence. Each tool, whether it’s for managing evidence, dispatching calls, or analyzing intelligence, is specialized to meet the needs of different tasks. However, the challenge arises when these tools don’t communicate or share information, leaving agencies to manually juggle multiple systems.

The ‘Single Pane of Glass’ Approach: Smart Squad

Enter Smart Squad. Imagine a high-tech toolbox that integrates all your existing systems into one easy-to-use platform. Rather than investing in entirely new tools or systems, Smart Squad allows agencies to leverage and maximize the functionality of their current tools while reducing the overall cost. It consolidates various technologies—whether it’s CAD, RMS, DEMS, Intelligence systems, or Situational Awareness platforms—into one unified interface.

By integrating these systems, Smart Squad eliminates the need for agencies to purchase additional software, train staff on new platforms, or manage complex integrations across multiple systems. This “Single Pane of Glass” approach minimizes costs while improving functionality. Officers and analysts can access all the critical information in one place, reducing inefficiencies and improving operational effectiveness.

Rather than managing multiple screens and systems that weren’t designed to work together, Smart Squad harmonizes data in real-time, enabling faster, more accurate decision-making. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to handle the digital maze of evidence and law enforcement tools.

Teamwork and Training

Managing digital evidence and integrating these systems effectively is a team effort. The more we share knowledge and support each other, the better we’ll navigate the challenges ahead. Training is key—it’s our roadmap in the digital world, helping us stay on course. With Smart Squad, your team can seamlessly access all the critical tools in one place, maximizing the value of your existing systems while improving efficiency and reducing errors.

In Conclusion

Digital evidence management and integrating multiple systems isn’t always easy, but with Smart Squad and the right teamwork, we can make it work. By integrating your agency’s existing tools, Smart Squad minimizes costs and maximizes functionality, allowing you to operate more efficiently and effectively. So keep your gadgets ready, stay curious, and let’s continue keeping our communities safer, one digital clue at a time.

Stay safe out there!

Welcome to our Advisory Board

Smart Squad wants to welcome our newly formed Board of Advisors. After much searching and vetting, we have found 4 advisors that are going to add so much value to our product and our customers! Please take a moment to read their Bio and get to know them below.

 

Bonnie Locke

Bonnie Locke began her career in the Wisconsin State Legislature and later worked for a Division of Lockheed Martin, which provided IT systems and services to local and state governments. After opening Lockheed’s Phoenix office, she returned to Wisconsin to finish raising her family. She became the Director for Wisconsin’s first Statewide Justice Information Sharing program. Bonnie was responsible for coordinating and promoting the integration and sharing of information between and among local, state, and federal justice organizations. That work reinforced her passion and commitment to continue to serve the public sector and the criminal justice community. She was then fortunate enough to start working at Nlets – the International Justice and Public Safety Information Sharing Network where she worked for the last 18 years. Through Nlets, she gained unparalleled experience in the justice and public safety information sharing space. At Nlets, she was responsible for marketing, new business, grants, training, administration, budgets and more. She was most recently the Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Criminal Justice Information Systems Committee. She is currently the Chair of the IACP Law Enforcement Informational Technology Section. In addition to IACP, Bonnie serves on numerous other national and international committees and is actively involved with many national and international organizations. Bonnie now consults for agencies and industry. Her strengths are forging strategic partnerships and building trust relationships. She has an extensive national network and is always eager to help others network and make valuable connections. Her speaking engagements have taken her all over the country, but Bonnie is proud to call Wisconsin home. She and her husband are empty nesters, but their two rescue dogs keep them company.

Cal Corley, MBA 

Cal Corley is the CEO of the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CKSA), a Canadian non-profit that supports police, public health and social sector leaders develop, implement and assess new approaches to improving community safety and well-being.

Cal is a former Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP. From 2008 – 2014, he was head of the Canadian Police College and served as the RCMP Senior Envoy to Mexico and the Americas. Over the course of his career, he gained extensive experience in both operations and executive management, serving in such areas as national security, criminal intelligence, drug enforcement, human resources, and leading strategic reform initiatives.  He also served on secondments at the Privy Council Office’s Security and Intelligence Secretariat and at Public Safety Canada.

He splits his year between Long Point (Port Rowan) Ontario and the National Capital Region.

Hon. Vernon White

Vernon White, BA, MA, DiPL, has worked for more than ten years as a Canadian Senator, and prior served almost 32 years in policing leaving the RCMP as an Assistant Commissioner before serving Durham Regional Police and Ottawa Police as the Chief of those agencies.

Education:

  • Diploma in Business Administration (PL), College of Cape Breton, Sydney, Nova Scotia
  • Graduate Royal Canadian Mounted Police Training Academy, Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Extensive education with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • National Executive Institute (graduate) Federal Bureau of Investigation, Quantico, Virginia
  • Bachelor of Arts, (Sociology, Psychology) Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
  • Masters, (Conflict Analysis and Management) Royal Roads University, Victoria, British Columbia
  • Doctorate, Australian Graduate School of Policing, Charles Sturt University, Manly, Australia

Experience:
Sat as a Senator in the Senate of Canada 10 years
Worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, moving through the ranks, Constable to Assistant Commissioner and has served in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario and as well spent almost 19 years in the three northern territories of Canada.
Worked for the Durham Regional Police Service and the Ottawa Police Service in the role of Chief of Police between 2005 and 2012.
Is currently or has held a position as an Adjunct, visiting/part-time professor and guest lecturer at universities across Canada and elsewhere in many other countries.
Was an International Fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute 7 years.
Has an extensive background at the investigational/supervisory and Aboriginal/First Nation and Community Policing level over a 31 + year policing career. Has extensive experience in all avenues of policing; administrative, managerial and investigational.

Significant Achievements:

  • Received a Commissioners Commendation for work on the GIANT Mine investigation
  • Received a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for excellence in professionalism and dedication to duty for his work as Sergeant in Charge of Community Policing for the Northwest Territories

Received a Queens Jubilee Medal for “making a significant contribution to Canada”; the Just One-Person Award in Ottawa; the Community Builder of the Year Award in Ottawa; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal; the Community Leadership award from Toastmaster’s in Ottawa and as well a Doctorate of Law and Bachelor of Law (honoris causa)

Harry Markley

Harry Markley is retired from the Phoenix Police department where he served over 31 years retiring as an Assistant Chief running the Patrol Division.  During his career he commanded several details to include Basic and Advanced Training, the Crime Lab, SWAT team, Patrol precincts and Detective Bureaus.  He is considered an expert in Use of Force, Arrest Tactics and non-lethal force. Chief Markley served as Tactical Command during the 2001 World Series and has served in Command and planning roles in two different Superbowls.

After leaving the Phoenix Police he served as the Law Enforcement Senior Advisor for the FirstNet Authority.  His main responsibility was to represent the interest of law enforcement in the development and build out of the FirstNet program.  He provided leadership to staff who were responsible for engaging stakeholders in developing and implementing a nationwide public safety broadband network; resolving problems that impact FirstNet’s programs; and coordinating with outside entities to ensure requirements are met for the development, operation, and maintenance of the network.

Navigating the Promise and Perils of AI in Law Enforcement: Striking a Balance for Public Safety

As AI continues to transform law enforcement, it brings both significant promise and complex challenges. While AI’s capabilities, like predictive analytics and automated emergency responses, enhance decision-making and crime prevention, its integration into policing raises concerns about reliability, ethics, and data security.

Concerns with AI in Policing

One key concern is the inherent bias and misinformation in AI-generated content. Algorithms, though advanced, often rely on biased training data, leading to inaccuracies that can affect crucial law enforcement decisions. Ethical challenges also arise from the lack of transparency in AI systems, raising questions about accountability and the need for human oversight in policing decisions.

Data Security Risks

AI also raises data security concerns, particularly regarding the potential for sensitive information to be shared with external entities, such as intelligence agencies or foreign governments. Questions about privacy and data dissemination fuel concerns both within law enforcement and the public.

A Pragmatic Approach

Given these concerns, many in law enforcement advocate for a cautious approach to AI adoption. While AI holds great potential, its use in critical policing areas should be limited until robust safeguards are in place. A focus on transparency, accountability, and mitigating biases is crucial to ensure public trust and ethical AI deployment.

The Role of Smart Squad

Smart Squad recognizes these challenges and is committed to helping law enforcement agencies implement AI responsibly. By aligning with ethical guidelines, Smart Squad supports law enforcement in adopting AI while ensuring transparency, accountability, and data security. With the right approach, AI can serve as a powerful ally in enhancing public safety.

 

 

 

 

No Signal Strength: The Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement in Remote Regions

In an era where connectivity is presumed, law enforcement officers face a daunting challenge when duty calls in remote, signal-deprived regions. These areas, far from the bustling urban landscapes and their dependable networks, present a unique set of hurdles for officers trying to maintain communication and uphold safety protocols.

One of the most prevalent issues encountered by officers in these remote regions is the lack of reliable signal strength. Communication, a fundamental aspect of effective law enforcement, becomes a precarious endeavor when there’s a lack of connectivity. It’s not just about making calls or sending messages; it’s about ensuring swift response times, coordinating efforts, and accessing critical databases for real-time information, which most computer systems are designed to operate while connectivity is available.

Picture an officer patrolling a rugged, isolated terrain. The absence of a stable signal translates to a loss of instant access to dispatch, fellow officers, or even emergency services. In emergencies, the inability to swiftly communicate can significantly hinder response times, potentially jeopardizing both officer safety and the safety of the community they serve.

Moreover, investigations and data retrieval are impeded in these regions. The dearth of connectivity obstructs immediate access to databases and information systems integral to law enforcement operations. Simple queries that might take seconds in urban precincts can morph into time-consuming endeavors in these remote locales.

However, amidst these challenges, innovative solutions emerge. Smart Squad, a cutting-edge system, addresses the communication hurdles faced by law enforcement in remote regions. Its offline functionality enables officers to work seamlessly even in areas with no signal.

Smart Squad equips officers with a suite of tools designed for offline use. From taking comprehensive notes, recording audio statements, capturing crucial photos, to facilitating e-ticketing and forms, this technology empowers officers to perform their duties efficiently regardless of the signal strength.

Imagine an officer conducting an investigation in an area devoid of connectivity. With Smart Squad, they can gather evidence, document incidents, and create reports offline. Once connectivity is reestablished, the system synchronizes seamlessly, ensuring that critical information reaches the necessary channels without delay.

Despite the challenges posed by connectivity issues, technology such as Smart Squad serves as a beacon of hope for law enforcement operating in remote regions. It mitigates the impediments caused by signal deficiencies, enabling officers to execute their responsibilities effectively, maintain records, and ensure the safety of the communities they serve.

Efforts to bridge the digital divide are crucial. Collaborations between governmental bodies, technology companies, and telecommunications providers, combined with the implementation of innovative solutions like Smart Squad, are essential steps toward equipping law enforcement officers in remote areas with the necessary tools for seamless operations.

In conclusion, while the issue of signal strength in remote regions remains a significant concern for law enforcement, advancements in technology, exemplified by solutions like Smart Squad, offer promise. As these technologies continue to evolve, concerted efforts are required to ensure that officers serving in remote areas are equipped with the necessary tools and connectivity to carry out their duties effectively, safeguarding both themselves and the communities they serve.

New to the Smart Squad Team!

Smart Squad wants to give a great big WELCOME to Trent Kenyon to the team! He brings a wealth of knowledge to Smart Squad and we are excited to have him as a part of our team!

A little about Trent Kenyon:

For the past 17 years I was involved in law enforcement, with 15 of those years spent frontline policing in Alberta with the RCMP. Prior to that I worked in various fields of employment with stints as a Certified Teacher (Junior High), Executive Director, and Business Analyst. My expertise includes mediating and helping foster understanding between people, efficiency, decisive and effective decision making, and most of all a genuine ability/desire to help people in their times of need. I have recently re-started my teaching career and am currently teaching Junior High students in Northern Alberta.

I’ve had success turning ideas into reality like planning, fundraising, and organizing a $400,000 Rink of Dreams for a small community. I saw a need for a new way to fight rural crime and helped plan and develop an APP for that purpose. I am involved in Smart Squad for the same reason, as I see it’s huge potential to unlock efficiencies in policing through the use technology.

Conversations with Clients 2

Conversation with Brooks:

Q: How is Smart Squad for your agency, we want the good, the bad and the ugly?
A: Logan Grant stated that “It is hard to find something to pick at.” Additionally, he praised the tech support team for being “quick to fix” any problems that arise.

Q: Is it easy to write a ticket using this system?
A: Yes, Logan Grant mentioned that “It is quick to write a ticket.”

Q: What feature would be nice to have in the system?
A: Logan Grant suggested that “It would be nice to do R/O tickets.”

Q: Overall, what is Logan Grant’s opinion of the system and the company’s performance?
A: Logan Grant had high praise for the system and the company’s customer service, saying that “It is a fantastic system and you guys are awesome.” He also mentioned being a “huge advocate of the system and how easy it is to use” and that the “customer service is the best part of it all.”

From his positive feedback, it is evident that the system is user-friendly, and the customer service is exceptional. The quick response time and efficiency of the tech support team have also left a lasting impression on Logan Grant. Smart Squad has been praised over and over for their exceptional customer service and tech support.

Come see how Smart Squad can make your agency safer, faster and more efficient! You can do more with less officers and not have them feel the crunch as tasks can be completed in less than half the time.

Who Has Your Information?

In today’s digital age, the security of personal and sensitive data has become a major concern for individuals and businesses alike. From financial information to personal identifiable information (PII), data breaches and unauthorized access can lead to severe consequences.

Thus, it is crucial to ask the following question: Who has your Information?

Private and public organizations alike are targets not just for hacking and ransomware but are also targets to foreign governments.  In the public safety industry, we regularly collect data of residents whenever we interact with them – and are entrusted to keep this information safe. In 2021, 85% of Canadian organizations have been affected by cybercriminals.

When you select a technology provider to supply you a system to manage this information, you are also trusting them to keep this information safe and banking your reputation on them.

Are you sure that you have entrusted your information to those that will keep it secure?

Not all companies take this responsibility seriously and not all data breaches are as obvious as a giant balloon floating overhead, leading to data breaches and other security incidents. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and choose reputable companies and organizations that have a strong track record of data security.

Here are a few key questions to ask your technology providers:

Security Clearances

Who within the solution provider’s organization has access to customer/citizen information?  Some organizations are associated with foreign governments (e.g. China), and the data sets could be mined for private information.

Security clearances are an essential aspect of data security. Your solution provider should only employ workers and contractors who pass “Enhanced” or “Secret” security clearances from Police Forces within Canada.

Data Management

Another critical question to ask is whether your data is leaving the country. Many companies outsource their data processing, app construction and storage to third-party vendors, some of which are located within foreign countries. While this may be cost-effective for the company, it also poses a massive security risk to your information.

Even if data sharing was not intentional, what happens if it gets into the wrong hands?  This is where data encryption is critical to minimize risk of unintentional data loss.  Encryption should be leveraged when the data is on a device, in transit, and while it is stored.

Prevention

To prevent a bad actor from using the “front door” of your application to access information, a username and password are not enough these days.  Secure systems leverage multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to the information systems.

As well, the system should have regular Penetration tests to ensure that they are actively addressing security concerns within their systems.

Incident Management

If a data breach does occur with your selected vendor system, what are their processes to alert you to this?  Would you even know if your data was breached?

There are several processes related to incident management that your technology providers should be providing to ensure your protection.  For example, with the new bill C-26, Canadian businesses operating in critical infrastructure sectors will be required to report cyber-attacks to the federal government.

Certifications

We are not all technology or security experts, nor should we all be.  Adherence to certifications provides peace of mind that your information is protected and that you have selected vendors that value the protection of your information.

There are multiple certifications that you should seek when working with a technology vendor.  Each of the above categories has certifications that should be sought out to protect the data you collect and manage.

Your technology vendors should be adhering to the following security & process standards at a minimum:

Security Clearances

  1. All staff within your vendor organization should adhere to “enhanced” or “secret” security clearances. These vendors should be able to present current clearances within your region.

 Data Management

  1. The cloud that sores your data should provide a current SOC Level 2 compliance report.
  2. The data should be stored in Canada or the United States, and never leave these nations.
  3. The solution should either have an active “NPISAB” approval (Provided by the RCMP), or hold a current “CJIS” audit result if managed within the United States.

Prevention

  1. Your solution provider should implement Multi-Factor authentication within your platform.
  2. Your solution provider should provide results from regular 3rd party penetration testing that includes the “OWASP” penetration of the system.
  3. You may wish to request a current compliance with NIST or ISO 27001 standards.

Incident Management

  1. You solution prover should adhere to ITSM processes for incident management.

In conclusion, data security is a critical aspect of the digital age. It is essential to ask the right questions and do your research to ensure that your data is secure.

We, at Smart Squad, take these questions seriously. With every member of our team working in the law enforcement branch in one way or another, we have security at the forefront of our mind.

You have to ask yourself, who has access to my information?