Rugged mobile devices, from tablets and handhelds to 2-in-1 police laptops, are an essential component of the law enforcement tech stack. They enable officers to perform their duties effectively, efficiently, and securely. Mobile device management (MDM) software also plays an important role in law enforcement data security and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance. Additionally, leveraging MDM capabilities as an end-to-end solution for deploying, monitoring, and managing rugged field devices frees up a department’s IT staff to focus on higher-value activities.
In conjunction with high-speed broadband connectivity, today’s powerful police laptops allow officers in the field to access the data they need to do their jobs, no matter where it resides. Patrol officers, detectives, forensics specialists, and other field operatives gain quick and efficient access to the department’s background check, case management, records management, citation systems, reporting systems, and more.
Beyond that local data, users may also utilize mobile devices to access databases controlled by the CJIS, including:
Without proper security measures, local and federal data can fall into the wrong hands if an officer’s device is lost, stolen, or hacked. That’s why using mobile devices to access CJIS systems requires MDM software and centralized administration.
An MDM solution can guarantee the following security features and their compliance with CJIS system regulations:
The critical nature of law enforcement requires that preparation, support, and troubleshooting of mobile devices and police laptops can happen quickly to prevent downtime in the field. MDM software streamlines device deployment by storing policy-based and role-based settings and system images, using them to automatically configure new devices with the appropriate user IDs, operating system updates and apps, as well as connectivity, security, and other configurations.
In addition to device provisioning, MDM device management functions include:
CJIS compliance—the ability to meet all CJIS requirements and pass an audit—is a must for any law enforcement MDM system. That should be your first screening differentiator.
Law enforcement agencies should look for an MDM software vendor that supports both Windows and Android operating systems (OS), as well as over the air (OTA) deployments for each one, to ensure compatibility with the broadest range of devices. Multi-OS compatibility prevents vendor lock-in on mobile devices and enables support for squad car laptops and convertibles, as well as tablets and handhelds. Some vendors, such as SOTI, offer additional support for mobile printers, cameras, and various IoT devices as part of their MDM software solution.
Beyond compliance and device compatibility concerns, look for an MDM that also offers dashboards, reports, and implementation tools that make it easy to monitor, manage, and report on the fleet of devices under agency control.
Lastly, look for a provider that supports the best implementation method for your department, whether that means on-premise on your server and managed by your organization, hosted and managed by the provider, or in the cloud as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The latter option makes advanced capabilities accessible by even small departments. However, there is one caveat — make sure the vendor’s hosted or cloud data centers are also CJIS compliant if you plan to access CJIS data.
Mobile device management is essential to protecting law enforcement officers in the field, where lives are on the line. So are the rugged police laptops and tablets you deploy. Combining efficient rugged mobile devices with advanced MDM capabilities can help you increase situational awareness, improve productivity, and enhance accountability. The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK® line of products offers a full spectrum of rugged mobile solutions for law enforcement.