Public Safety & Criminal Justice Glossary

Audio Logging Software - is a type of software used to record and archive audio communications, such as phone calls, radio transmissions, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) conversations. This software is commonly used in industries such as public safety, emergency services, call centers, and financial institutions, where recording and documenting audio communications is necessary for compliance, quality assurance, training, or security purposes.

CCTV Viewer - a software application used to transcode and playback video footage captured by a wide variety of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System - is a software application used by public safety agencies, such as police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS), to manage and dispatch emergency services to incidents in real-time. CAD systems automate and streamline the dispatch process, enabling dispatchers to efficiently allocate resources and respond to emergency calls promptly.

Digital Evidence Management - refers to the process of managing, storing, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence collected during investigations or legal proceedings. With the increasing prevalence of digital devices and technologies, digital evidence has become a critical component of criminal investigations, civil litigation, and regulatory compliance efforts. Digital Evidence Management encompasses a range of activities and practices aimed at ensuring the integrity, security, and admissibility of digital evidence throughout its lifecycle.

Digital Evidence Management Software System (DEMS) - is a specialized software solution designed to manage, store, analyze, and share digital evidence collected during investigations. This type of software is commonly used by law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, legal professionals, and other organizations involved in collecting and processing digital evidence.

Digital Policing - is the use of digital technologies, data analytics, and information systems by law enforcement agencies to enhance their effectiveness in preventing and combating crime, maintaining public safety, and delivering services to the community. Digital policing encompasses a wide range of technologies, strategies, and practices aimed at leveraging digital tools and data-driven approaches to improve law enforcement operations and outcomes.

Enhanced 911 System - is a system consisting of selective routing with the capability of delivering automatic number and location identification to a public safety answering point, network circuits, data bases and answering equipment, the combination of which enables a user to request emergency services by dialing the digits 911.

Evidence Management Software - is a type of software used primarily by law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and other organizations involved in handling evidence. It's designed to streamline the process of storing, tracking, managing, and accessing evidence collected during investigations, legal proceedings, or other activities.

Evidence Tracking Software - is a specialized type of software designed to help organizations manage and track digital and physical evidence items throughout their lifecycle, from collection to storage to disposition. This software is commonly used by law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, legal departments, and other organizations that deal with large volumes of evidence.

Investigation Software - is a specialized tool used by law enforcement agencies, prosecuting agencies and other organizations to manage and streamline the investigative process. It provides a centralized platform for organizing, analyzing, and tracking information related to investigations, helping investigators collaborate more effectively and efficiently.

Law Enforcement CAD System - A specialized software application used by law enforcement agencies to manage and coordinate emergency response activities. Law Enforcement CAD systems automate the dispatch process, enabling dispatchers to receive emergency calls, prioritize incidents, and dispatch appropriate resources quickly and efficiently.

Next Generation 911 (NG911) - Next Generation 911 (NG911) refers to an initiative aimed at modernizing and improving emergency communication systems in the United States to accommodate the evolving needs of the public and advancements in technology. NG911 is intended to replace traditional 911 systems with an Internet Protocol (IP)-based infrastructure capable of handling a wider range of communication methods, including voice calls, text messages, photos, videos, and data from Internet-connected devices.

Police Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System - a software solution used by law enforcement agencies to manage and coordinate and track emergency response operations in real-time.

Police Record Management System (RMS) - a software application used by law enforcement agencies to manage and maintain records related to various aspects of police operations, including incident reports, crime reports, arrests, citations, warrants, and case files. RMS systems serve as centralized repositories for storing, organizing, and accessing critical information related to law enforcement activities.

Prosecutor Case Management Software - a specialized software solution designed to assist prosecutors and legal professionals in managing and prosecuting criminal cases efficiently and effectively. This type of software streamlines various aspects of case management, from case initiation to resolution, by providing tools for organizing case information, tracking case progress, managing documents and evidence, and facilitating communication with other stakeholders.

Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) - a facility assigned the responsibility of receiving 911 calls and, as appropriate, directly dispatching emergency response services or transferring or relaying 911 calls to other public or private safety agencies.

Public Safety Recording System - a system used to capture, store, and manage audio, text-to-911 and multimedia recordings of mission-critical communications and activities related to public safety 911 call taking and dispatch operations.

Radio Dispatch System - the backbone for real-time communication and coordination between dispatchers and field personnel operating two-way radios.

Radio Recording and Logging System - a system used to record and archive audio communications transmitted over radio channels. These systems are commonly employed by organizations such as public safety agencies, transportation companies, utilities, and security firms to capture and store radio transmissions for operational, compliance, training, and evidentiary purposes.

Records Management System (RMS) - a specialized software solution designed to assist law enforcement agencies in efficiently managing, organizing, and accessing records and information related to their operations and investigations. It serves as a central repository for storing, retrieving, and managing various types of records, including incident reports, arrest records, case files, evidence logs, and administrative documents.

Text-to-911 - is an emergency communication service that allows individuals to send text messages to emergency dispatch centers (often referred to as Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs) instead of placing a traditional voice call to 911. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, as well as in situations where it may be unsafe or impractical to make a voice call.

Voice Logger - a specialized recording system used to capture and store audio communications, enabling public safety agencies, customer service departments and financial institutions to maintain accurate records, ensure regulatory compliance and enhance quality assurance processes.

Voice Logging Recorder - a system designed to capture, store, and manage mission-critical recordings of critical communications for compliance and quality assurance.

911 Audio Recorder - is a vital component of the emergency response infrastructure, integral to saving lives, enhancing public safety, and ensuring the effectiveness of emergency services. This technology is specifically designed to capture, store, and manage the audio recordings of calls made to 911, and radio transmissions used to dispatch first responders.

911 CAD System - a computer-aided dispatch software platform used by emergency dispatch centers to manage and coordinate the response to emergency calls.

911 Logging Recorder - also known as an emergency communications recording system, is a device or software used to capture and store audio recordings of emergency calls made to a 911 emergency services center. These systems are typically used by public safety agencies, such as police departments, fire departments, and emergency medical services, to document and analyze emergency communications.

911 Recording Software - a tool used by emergency dispatch centers to capture, store, and manage audio recordings of 911 emergency calls. This software automatically records incoming emergency calls, preserving critical information exchanged between callers and dispatchers during emergencies.