Security for Municipalities: Enhancing Digital Safeguards

Creating a secure digital policing ecosystem is essential, and it calls for close collaboration across various groups: law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and the tech industry. Indeed, setting up standards and frameworks that ensure the security and integrity of our digital tools is vital in our mission.

Another crucial component to highlight is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These technologies play a key role in modern municipal operations, not just for mapping critical infrastructures but also managing the personal data of residents. Our reliance on GIS underscores the need to understand both the location and security of critical infrastructure data. It’s not only about the functionality these systems offer but also about who controls these GIS platforms. We must question if they use map systems from other countries, which could potentially offer a backdoor into our community’s sensitive information.

Recent incidents, such as the infiltration of Canadian biolabs and communities by entities with hidden agendas, have shown the risks posed by foreign interference. These examples serve as stark reminders of the complex security landscape we navigate, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard our national interests.

Assessing and Mitigating Risks: A Path to Secure Digital Policing

In strengthening our defenses, we must first assess our risks thoroughly:

Evaluate the security level of the information stored within our systems.

Determine whether the system gathers public information.

Identify if the system processes other types of information that might attract foreign interests, such as critical infrastructure details or location tracking.

Choosing the right solution provider is equally critical:

Inquire where the software is hosted and where the data, including backups, is stored.

Verify if they meet ISO27001 and SOC Level 2 certifications and request proof of current certification status.

Request a list of names along with proof of enhanced security clearance for each team member accessing the software code or customer data.

Investigate whether they have received funding from grants or other programs, including details about the grant providers.

The Illusion of Locality

Diving into the world of tech in Canadian law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the glittering promises made by tech companies. They say they’re just like us, rooted in the Canadian soil, promising to weave seamlessly into our local tech ecosystems, building trust, and nodding along with our values and regulations. But let’s pull back that curtain for a second and have a real chat. This front of being “one of us” can sometimes hide the strings pulled from afar, putting what we hold dear at risk.

Now, picture our data taking a world tour, bouncing through servers in countries that might not cheer for us. It’s enough to make you lose sleep. It’s not only about where our data settles down but who gets to say goodnight. Even if it’s stored right here at home, the shadow of foreign fingers reaching out is unsettling. It raises a whole bunch of red flags about who’s really in charge and how secure we are. It’s like playing a game of chess without seeing half the board. We’ve got to be eagle-eyed about the tech tools and platforms our folks in uniform rely on, making darn sure they’re not backdoors for sneaky moves from across the border.

Tackling this head-on means we can’t just sit back. It’s about shaking hands with companies that lay it all out there, clear as day, about how they handle our data. Our police forces need to embrace a culture where security isn’t just another box to check. It’s about really getting the lay of the digital land, understanding the ripple effects of the tools we use. We’ve got to build a fortress of security that keeps our policing efforts solid and our communities safe.

As we navigate this digital sea, it’s crucial we anchor ourselves to the core idea: security and privacy aren’t just the icing on the cake; they’re the whole darn cake. It’s about teaming up with tech firms that don’t just pay lip service to transparency but actually live it. By fostering a digitally smart culture in our law enforcement, we bolster our defenses against hidden threats, ensuring our communities remain safe havens in the tumultuous digital tide.

So, as we press on into the digital unknown, let’s not forget the compass guiding us: our commitment to protecting our community’s safety, privacy, and the trust they place in us. Sure, the journey’s brimming with challenges, but together, with our eyes wide open and our tech at the ready, we’re more than up for the task. Let’s keep this conversation going, for the safety and well-being of our communities depend on it. Stay sharp, stay engaged, and let’s tackle these digital waves together.

Navigating the Global Tech Landscape in Policing

Stepping into the tech side of police work is a bit like walking into a whole new city. Everything’s moving fast, and every day there’s something new to learn. As someone who’s been in the force for over 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how tech can change the game. It’s not just about the old way of doing things; it’s about using smart tools like Smart Squad to keep up with the times.

In this tech-driven era, managing digital evidence has become a central part of our job. But let’s be real, it’s not always straightforward. Imagine you’ve got a bunch of different tools in your belt. Each one’s got its own use, but sometimes, you wish you could just have one tool that does it all. That’s where the challenge lies – in figuring out which tech is your friend and which might be a bit more complicated to handle.

The thing is, when we bring these digital tools into our police work, we’re not just upgrading our gear. We’re opening doors to sensitive info that needs to be protected, no matter what. And here’s where it gets tricky – not all tech companies play by the same rules. Some might have ties to places that don’t exactly see eye to eye with us. It’s our job to sift through the options and pick out the tools that keep us, and our community, safe, not just the cheapest or flashiest.

Finding the right tech is a bit like navigating a maze. We’ve got to balance the cool new features with the serious stuff – like keeping our operations secure and making sure we’re always on the side of the good guys. It means doing our homework, getting to know where our tech comes from, and having a plan B in case things go south

And let’s not forget about teaming up with other cops and security experts around the globe. Sharing what we know and learning from each other can make all the difference in picking the right tools for the job.

So, as we dive deeper into this digital age, keeping our communities safe remains our top priority. It’s about embracing the new tech without losing sight of our mission. With tools like Smart Squad, we’ve got a fighting chance to stay ahead of the game, making sure we’re always ready to protect and serve in this fast-paced world.

Keep your head up and your tech ready, and let’s tackle this digital challenge together. Stay tuned for part 2 of this series where we wrestle with the “Illusion of Locality”.

No Perfect World – Juggling Digital Evidence with Different Tech Tools

In the ever-evolving world of policing, managing digital evidence is like navigating a busy intersection – a bit tricky. We’re all in this together, and sometimes we find ourselves using different tech tools to get the job done. It’s like having a toolbox with a bunch of different tools – they might not all be the same, but each one serves a purpose.

The Reality of Digital Evidence

Let’s face it, there’s no utopia when it comes to managing digital evidence. We’re often dealing with different types of technology from various vendors. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces that don’t always fit perfectly together. Juggling login information for different systems, trying to remember which one is for which feature. Believe me, I’ve been there!

But fear not, we’re here to figure it out and make sense of the digital maze.

Why So Many Tools?

You might wonder, “Why can’t we just stick to one tool for everything?” Well, it’s a good question. The digital world is vast, and different situations call for different tools. Just like we don’t use the same tool to fix a car and build a house, we need different digital tools to handle various types of evidence.

The Toolbox Approach

Enter Smart Squad – the ultimate toolbox for managing digital evidence. It’s like a high-tech treasure chest that can bring all of your existing systems into one application. The best part? It comes pre-loaded with some nifty tools designed to make your digital evidence journey a whole lot smoother. Smart Squad is the copilot you didn’t know you needed.

Picture this – you open your Smart Squad toolbox, and there are all of your existing digital tools: tools for data analysis, evidence tracking, and streamlined collaboration. It’s like having a partner in crime (solving) right at your fingertips. Smart Squad not only holds all of your existing tools, but comes already equipped with efficient tools designed for the frontline officer.

Teamwork and Training

To make this digital journey smoother, teamwork is key. Let’s share what we know, learn from each other, and support one another. Training is our compass in this digital world – it keeps us on the right path. The more we know, the better we can handle the challenges that come our way.

In Conclusion

In the real world of policing, there’s no utopia, and managing digital evidence with various tech tools is a bit like being on a rollercoaster. But hey, we’re skilled riders, and together with Smart Squad, we’ll navigate this digital landscape. So, keep those gadgets charged, stay curious, and let’s keep making our communities safer, one digital clue at a time.

Stay safe out there!

“It’s the Computer’s Fault” – Law Enforcement Grapples with Challenges of AI-Generated Content in Public Safety

In the realm where technology intersects with law enforcement, the surge of AI-generated content poses both promise and peril for public safety officials. While AI’s capabilities are hailed for streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making, law enforcement circles grapple with critical challenges stemming from its integration into policing protocols.

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence has profoundly impacted modern policing, offering predictive analytics to bolster crime prevention and automated systems handling emergency responses. However, the increasing presence of AI-generated content raises a host of concerns regarding reliability, ethical ramifications, and data security within law enforcement domains.

Concerns with AI:
A primary concern voiced by law enforcement officials is the inherent biases and misinformation often embedded in AI-generated content. While algorithms tout sophistication, their reliance on biased training data can introduce discrepancies or inaccuracies, posing challenges in vital decision-making processes.

Ethical considerations further entangle the landscape. The opacity surrounding AI systems fuels concerns about accountability and the requisite human oversight for responsible decision-making. Maintaining transparency and ensuring compliance with stringent ethical guidelines remain focal points in the ethical utilization of AI in public safety.

Data Security:
AI data security questions emerge prominently. Concerns about the potential dissemination of sensitive information to external entities, such as intelligence agencies or foreign actors, loom large within law enforcement circles. The queries surrounding data sharing and privacy raise pertinent concerns among officers and the public alike: “Is my information being inadvertently transmitted to the CIA or China?”

Amidst the unfolding landscape of AI in public safety, a growing sentiment within law enforcement underscores the necessity for judicious use of AI until robust safeguards are firmly entrenched. The push to restrict AI’s extensive involvement in policing comes from our urgent need to guarantee transparency, accountability, and ethical use. Many argue that until comprehensive mechanisms are in place to mitigate biases, ensure data security, and safeguard against unauthorized information dissemination, AI’s applications should be limited to less critical domains within law enforcement. This cautious approach aims to ensure transparency to the public and inspire confidence among police service members.

In navigating these challenges, law enforcement emphasizes a pragmatic approach. The aim is to integrate AI capabilities while preserving the critical human factor in decision-making. Striking a harmonious balance where AI augments human capacities without compromising ethical standards remains the crux of the ongoing discourse.

The evolving landscape of AI-generated content in public safety demands collective efforts in addressing the challenges and establishing ethical parameters. It beckons stakeholders to navigate these uncharted territories while safeguarding data, preserving public trust, and ensuring that AI serves as a responsible ally in upholding public safety standards.

Smart Squad, recognizing these concerns, stands poised to aid law enforcement agencies in implementing these guidelines, aligning with ethical boundaries while leveraging AI’s potential. To navigate these uncharted territories responsibly, law enforcement professionals are urged to collaborate with Smart Squad in establishing ethical AI frameworks that prioritize transparency, accountability, and public trust.

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?