Law Enforcement Professionals Can't Afford to Avoid Web 2.0 (Analysis)

There are some success stories coming from public safety professionals who use Web 2.0 applications in the workplace. But by and large, they're used little, if at all, according to a recent survey of more than 500 law enforcement professionals conducted by the Gulf States Regional Center for Public Safety Innovations.

The center's director, Daphne Levenson, says "a major culture change is taking place and the public safety profession needs to follow suit."

Levenson says some law enforcement professionals are understandably wary of adopting Web 2.0 applications. But she said a first step to embracing Web 2.0 is enlisting help from volunteers.

"These volunteers should be familiar with the latest technology, be able to work from anywhere, and have an Internet connection and a way to reach you with critical updates. Some likely candidates are: ham radio operators, criminal justice students, wives or adult children of officers/deputies/firefighters, Volunteers in Policing, Community Emergency Response Teams or community members. If you do background checks on your ham radio operators, follow suit with this group.

Read Levenson's entire analysis.