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Category: Police Technology

Police technology, including ShotSpotter, is transforming law enforcement. With tools like body cameras, predictive analytics, and digital evidence management, it enhances officer effectiveness, crime prevention, and community relations. The goal of such innovations is to provide swift response to incidents, contributing to a safer and more secure society.
PartnershipPolice Technology

From Paper Hot Sheets to Real-Time Alerts: How Technology Has Changed Vehicle Enforcement

Not long ago, identifying a stolen vehicle often depended on a police officer carrying a printed “hot sheet” during a patrol shift. These paper lists contained information on stolen vehicles and other vehicles wanted by law enforcement. Officers referenced them during traffic stops and routine patrols, relying on observation, memory, and manual checks to identify vehicles connected to criminal activity.
Today, that process has changed dramatically.

Automated License Plate Reader technology and connected camera networks can now compare passing license plates against constantly updated law enforcement databases in real time. What once required an officer to manually search a printed list can now occur in seconds, expanding coverage while providing officers with immediate information.

This evolution represents more than a technological upgrade. It reflects a broader transformation in policing, moving from paper records and manual processes to digital tools that provide real-time situational awareness.
Supporters believe these systems help law enforcement recover stolen vehicles more quickly, locate suspects, identify investigative leads, and make more effective use of limited public safety resources. Many agencies also point to improvements in officer efficiency, allowing personnel to focus on higher-priority calls and proactive policing efforts.

At the same time, these technologies have prompted important conversations within communities. Residents have raised legitimate questions about privacy, data retention, government oversight, transparency, and the potential misuse of collected information.

As Cleveland and communities across the country continue evaluating the role of automated enforcement technologies, the discussion is no longer simply whether the technology works. 

The more important question is how these tools should be implemented responsibly to enhance public safety while protecting individual rights and maintaining public confidence.

The mission remains the same: recovering stolen vehicles, apprehending offenders, and keeping neighborhoods safe. The challenge for policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and communities alike is to ensure that modern policing technologies operate under clear legal safeguards, transparent policies, and meaningful oversight.

(Please note: The views and perspectives presented in this article are intended to encourage informed discussion about public safety issues affecting our community. The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland does not advocate for specific legislation or policies but seeks to promote thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and evidence-informed decision-making.)

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Marty Flask July 22, 2026 0
EducationPartnersPolice Technology

The Evolution of Police Training: An Interview with Lieutenant Smith & Lieutenant Hernandez

The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lieutenant Shawn Smith, Officer in Charge of the Records Section and Lieutenant Jennifer Hernandez, Executive Officer of the Bureau of Support Services. Lt. Smith’s career spans almost 30 years with a deep experience in both police and military training, Both Lieutenants are incredibly passionate and open about enhancing police education, fostering community trust, and ensuring that officers are better equipped to handle real-world situations.

Training for Real-World Challenges

During our conversation, the Lieutenants emphasized how modern police training has evolved beyond classroom instruction. “You start by learning the laws and passing the test,” he said, “but each officer needs more critical thinking. The academy doesn’t always prepare officers for what they’ll face on the streets.”

To address this, Cleveland’s Police Academy has put more of an emphasis on real-world simulations that expose recruits to scenarios requiring problem-solving, de-escalation, and critical thinking. Lieutenant Smith stressed the importance of slowing down in high-stress situations. “Being able to slow down is very, very important,” he noted. “It gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.” These skills are learned and come from experiences, which our training programs are at the forefront of.

“Being able to slow down is very, very important,” he noted. “It gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.” These skills are learned and come from experience which our training programs are at the forefront of.”

Breaking Down Silos and Promoting Critical Thinking

Lieutenant Smith advocates for training that integrates multiple disciplines to prepare officers for the complexities of their work. “We’re working hard not to train in silos,” he explained. “We try to provide scenarios that combine all aspects of a situation to encourage critical thinking.” Today’s training is data-driven and community-informed, with feedback from residents helping to shape the curriculum. This approach helps officers understand the communities they serve and tailor their responses accordingly.

The Role of Technology in Modern Policing

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in police training and operations. Cleveland officers are trained to leverage tools like mobile CAD systems (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and body-worn cameras with 360-degree views. The division also uses a Learning Management System (LMS) to provide policy updates and allow officers to stay engaged with ongoing professional education.

“Police officers have to stay ahead of the curve,” Lieutenant Smith said. “Whether it’s learning how to use mobile CAD systems or understanding stress vests that help officers monitor high-stress situations, technology is helping officers make better decisions.”

Bridging the Gap Between Police & Community

Both Lieutenants highlighted the importance of building trust between officers and the communities they serve. One innovative approach that’s gained traction is the reverse ride-along, where recruits visit neighborhoods and engage directly with residents. “One of Cleveland‘s DCs, Deputy Chief Fay, has been a big advocate of this,” Lieutenant Smith said. “Bringing in the community and taking recruits to meet the people they serve—breaking bread with them—helps build real trust.”

A key takeaway from these efforts is a simple but powerful shift in perception. “I’d love to hear people say, ‘Those are our police officers,’ instead of ‘those are the police,’” Lieutenant Smith shared. “That one word—our—makes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.”

 “I’d love to hear people say, ‘Those are our police officers,’ instead of ‘those are the police,’” Lieutenant Smith shared. “That one word—our—makes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.”

Continuous Learning and Exceeding Standards

To be blunt, police training never stops. “Continuous professional education is mandated, and it happens all the time,” both Lieutenants explained. In addition to state-mandated training, Cleveland Police exceeds those requirements, currently providing well over 1,200 hours of training annually, compared to the state’s 740-hour mandate.

The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) sets forth the minimum training requirements for certification of Ohio Peace Officers. When the Commission was formed in 1965, the minimum training consisted of 120 hours of instruction. By 1973, it increased to 240 hours, and in 1987, it increased to 632 hours. As of today, it is now 740 hours.

Law Enforcement agencies throughout Ohio, including the Cleveland Division of Police, provide instruction above the minimum required by the OPOTC. Cleveland, for example, provides a 7 1/2 months training academy that provides instruction on topics unique to the city of Cleveland. Examples include General Police Orders, Civil Service Rules, Manual of Rules and Regulations, etc.

From scenario-based field training to mandated online learning through the Academy’s LMS, officers are constantly updating their skills. Additionally, the Consent Decree with the Department of Justice ensures ongoing reviews and improvements in training protocols. It is a necessary layer of review and responsibility that all officers must be aware and adhere to.

Looking into the Future

Lieutenant Smith’s commitment to improving training and building stronger community relationships reflects a deep understanding of public safety’s evolving landscape. His work ensures that Cleveland police officers are better prepared, more empathetic, and equipped to navigate the challenges of modern law enforcement.

As the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland continues its mission to strengthen public safety through collaboration, we are proud to highlight the work of leaders like Lieutenant Smith and Lieutenant Hernandez. Their vision and dedication remind us that true safety comes from well-trained officers who are dedicated to their neighbors’ needs, engaged communities that are open to relationships with police, and a commitment to continuous learning by all. 

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safercleveland April 2, 2025 0
Police Technology

Perspective on Data with Police Technology

Read about Dr. Flannery’s perspective on the importance of data as it relates to police technology.

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safercleveland September 3, 2024 0