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In public safety, technology has become an essential ally in ensuring efficiency, safety, and informed decision-making. But with new tools come new acronyms, and it can be a challenge to keep up.
Take ForceMetrics as an example: we're an RTCC solution that integrates with your CAD, RMS, and AVL systems to provide real-time operational intelligence. Our platform helps PSAPs manage their NG911 capabilities while providing GIS-based visualization and analytics to both command centers and MDT users in the field. Through seamless integration with ALPR systems and BWC data, we help agencies build comprehensive situational awareness for enhanced public safety outcomes.
If you understood all of those acronyms, you're ahead of the curve. If not, this guide is here to help you navigate the essential technology terminology in modern public safety.
First, let's look at the core technologies used daily in public safety operations:
AFIS: Automated Fingerprint Identification System AFIS systems are used to capture, store, and match fingerprint data to help identify individuals quickly and accurately.
ALPR/LPR: Automated License Plate Recognition System/License Plate Reader
These systems scan and analyze license plates to identify vehicles of interest, such as stolen cars or vehicles linked to crimes. Flock Safety leads the industry in this technology.
AVL: Automatic Vehicle Location
AVL systems use GPS to track public safety vehicles, improving dispatch and response times.
BWC: Body-Worn Cameras
BWC systems record law enforcement interactions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Axon is a leading provider in this space.
CAD: Computer-Aided Dispatch
CAD systems help dispatchers record incident details, track units, and allocate resources efficiently. Motorola Solutions and Central Square are leading providers in this space.
CIT/CRT/BHRT: Crisis Intervention Team, Crisis Response Team or Behavioral Health Response Team
Specialized teams or training models designed to enhance law enforcement responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises, with applications extending to support unhoused individuals and victims of domestic violence.
DFR: Drone as a First Responder
DFR refers to a program or a suite of technology, processes and/or staff where drones are deployed to incidents ahead of personnel to provide real-time aerial situational awareness.
EMD: Emergency Medical Dispatch
EMD protocols guide dispatchers in giving life-saving instructions during medical emergencies. Priority Dispatch's ProQA and Total Response are industry standards.
GIS: Geographic Information System
GIS tools visualize and analyze spatial data to improve situational awareness and planning. Esri's ArcGIS platform is widely used in public safety.
MDT/MDC/MCT: Mobile Data Terminal, Mobile Data Computer, Mobile Computing Terminal
These devices in public safety vehicles access CAD data, run checks, and communicate with dispatchers in the field.
NG911: Next Generation 911
NG911 enhances traditional 911 systems with texting, video, and real-time location sharing. Prepared's innovative platform is advancing this technology.
PSAP: Public Safety Answering Point
PSAPs are the facilities where 911 calls are received and processed, serving as the critical first point of emergency response.
UAS: Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Also known as drones, UAS are used for search and rescue, surveillance, and disaster assessment.
VMS: Video Management System
VMS platforms handle video data from surveillance cameras, integrating storage and analytics. These systems help agencies monitor public spaces, investigate incidents, and provide real-time situational awareness.
Different roles rely on different systems: Patrol officers most frequently interact with CAD, MDT, and ALPR systems. Dispatchers primarily use CAD, EMD, and NG911. Crime analysts focus on RMS, RTCC, and GIS tools. Understanding how these systems interconnect helps everyone work more effectively together.
These systems rely on secure, reliable communication networks to function:
P25: Project 25
P25 is the standard for public safety digital radio communications, ensuring interoperability between agencies and jurisdictions.
LMR: Land Mobile Radio
LMR systems provide mission-critical voice communications for public safety agencies, forming the backbone of field operations.
FirstNet: First Responder Network Authority
FirstNet provides a dedicated nationwide broadband network for public safety communications, ensuring priority access during emergencies.
Behind these operational technologies are powerful data systems that store and manage critical information:
ACS: Automated Case Support or Automated Casefile System
ACS systems help manage case-related data, enhancing efficiency and organization.
CCH: Computerized Criminal History
CCH systems store and provide access to comprehensive criminal history records.
CODIS: Combined DNA Information System
CODIS is the FBI's DNA database, used to link biological evidence to suspects.
CSA: Criminal Justice Information Systems Agency
CSA oversees and supports criminal justice information systems at various levels.
NCIC: National Crime Information Center
The FBI's central database for criminal justice information, providing real-time access to records on crimes, suspects, and stolen property.
NIBIN: National Integrated Ballistic Information Network
A ballistic imaging system built and managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) used to match crime scene evidence, such as bullet casings, to known incidents or firearms.
NIBRS: National Incident-Based Reporting System
The FBI's comprehensive crime reporting system that provides detailed, incident-based data on crimes nationwide.
RMS: Records Management System
RMS software centralizes reports, evidence logs, and records for easy access and secure storage. Modern cloud-native solutions from Mark43 and Central Square transform how agencies manage data.
RTCC: Real-Time Crime Center
RTCCs consolidate data from multiple systems to provide actionable intelligence during incidents. Fusus is known for their real-time video integration capabilities in this space. You may also see this described using several other names such as Real-Time Watch Center (RTWC), Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and Real-time Operations Center (RTOC).
Finally, here are the key standards and programs that support these technologies:
APB: Advisory Policy Board (or CJIS APB)
APB advises the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division on policy matters.
BJA: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Part of the DOJ, BJA provides funding, training, and technical assistance to improve public safety.
CITA: Crime Identification Technology Act
CITA provides federal funding to improve technology for crime identification and tracking.
Understanding these acronyms isn't just about knowing the terminology—it's about enabling better-informed decisions in real-time. At ForceMetrics, we help agencies:
Contact our team to see how we can help your agency achieve faster, more effective response times.