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Citizens rely on law enforcement agencies for their safety. The power of integrated technology in this effort is only now being realized.

Technology simplifies many daily tasks. Powerful Internet search engines dish up quick information on nearly any topic. Web-enabled cell phones and mobile computers link people to information wherever and whenever they need it.

Yet technology that is ubiquitous to John Q. Public is a pie-in-the-sky fantasy for many law enforcement agencies. Obviously the technology exists to make these tools available to police. But law enforcement organizations face both technological and political barriers to closing the gap.

Around the country, however, law enforcement agencies are using the Microsoft .NET Framework to dramatically improve access to vital information and intelligence. In a growing number of jurisdictions, applications built on Microsoft .NET gather information from multiple sources and locations. These applications give agencies the power to access and share data securely with their peers across regions, states and beyond.

Mike Byrne knows firsthand the crucial role integrated information sharing systems play in everything from major disaster response to simple traffic stops. A former New York City firefighter and Department of Homeland Security executive, Byrne now directs Microsoft's Justice and Public Safety organization.

Byrne believes that law enforcement professionals deserve a technology partner dedicated to their mission and capable of delivering results.

"In the world we live in today, where information for entertainment and business purposes is right at your fingertips, shame on us if we are not able to provide all the necessary information to our public safety officials. They are the tip of the spear for our safety and security; we can and must provide robust information systems for them to be able to do their jobs," said Byrne. "At the same time, we must also ensure that only those who need to access this information do so, and above all that we protect our personal privacy."

Microsoft pledges to help law enforcement agencies get the tools they need to combat crime and terrorism, Byrne said. Microsoft .NET technology delivers a powerful solution for overcoming proprietary data and territorial operations that prevent law enforcement agencies from accessing mission-critical information.

"We absolutely can change that," said Byrne. "We're committed to making sure our law enforcement officials have the information they need, when and where they need it. We must see farther than our own jurisdictions, see farther than our regions and states, to see all the information available on a particular topic in a secure way."

In places such as Alabama, Ohio and Texas, the Microsoft .NET Framework is indeed helping law enforcement agencies see farther than most would have imagined.