Our Blog

Picture this: a department invests in a new, modern records management system (RMS). The rollout is complete, the software is installed — but months later, officers are still relying on spreadsheets, reports are incomplete, and supervisors are frustrated by inconsistent data. This isn’t a technology failure — it’s a training one. The smartest RMS in…

Imagine a department that once raced from one call to the next — always responding, rarely anticipating. Now, with the help of analytics, that same agency can identify where incidents are most likely to occur and adjust patrols before the first call ever comes in. This is the power of predictive analytics in public safety.…

Picture this: a dispatcher receives a high-priority call involving a suspect known for multiple prior offenses. The dispatcher searches the CAD system, but the suspect’s records are stored in a separate RMS database. The officer in the field doesn’t have access to the evidence system, and the investigator working the case must manually reconcile data…

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems have become a cornerstone of modern fleet management and public safety operations. What began as a simple way to pinpoint vehicle locations has evolved into a powerful ecosystem that drives efficiency, safety, and accountability across entire organizations. But AVL technology isn’t standing still. As new innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud…

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems have transformed how public safety agencies, municipalities, and fleet operators manage resources. By providing real-time visibility into vehicle locations and performance, AVL improves safety, accountability, and operational efficiency across the board. Yet, while the advantages are clear, deploying an AVL system can present its own set of challenges. From integration…

In today’s fast-moving world, real-time visibility is mission-critical. For public safety agencies, municipalities, and fleet operators, knowing where every vehicle is—and responding instantly—can make all the difference. That’s where Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) comes in. By combining GPS, communication networks, and analytics, AVL gives organizations instant insight into vehicle locations and performance. From dispatching patrols…

Ransomware has become one of the most dangerous and costly cyber threats facing public safety agencies today. In a matter of minutes, it can lock critical systems, encrypt essential data, and halt operations across entire departments. For agencies that depend on real-time access to dispatch, records, and evidence systems, the impact can be immediate —…

In cybersecurity, people are often seen as the weakest link — but with the right awareness and training, they can become the strongest defense. For public safety agencies that rely on connected systems to dispatch units, record incidents, and manage evidence, one wrong click or misplaced credential can bring entire operations to a halt. Cybersecurity…

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder that cyber threats are not just about stolen data or compromised email accounts. For public safety agencies and the communities they protect, a single attack on critical infrastructure can disrupt emergency response, endanger lives, and erode public trust. When power grids, water systems, or communication networks are targeted, the…

For many public safety agencies, the fourth quarter (Q4) is a critical window for procurement. Budgets are closing, new funds are opening, and decision-makers feel pressure to act quickly before deadlines pass. While this creates opportunities to secure essential technology, it also introduces significant risks. Too often, the rush to spend leads to shortcuts, missed…

We’re excited to share that ARMS & Cardinal Tracking will be at the SWPTA 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, October 27–29! Stop by our booth to see how we’re transforming parking management with: See you at the Golden Nugget!

Public safety agencies operate under constant pressure: shrinking budgets, growing compliance requirements, and increasing community expectations. When the time comes to consider new technology, leaders often face a tough question — how do you prove the investment is worth it? A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is the answer. By putting numbers to both the risks of…

Technology modernization in public safety is often framed as an optional upgrade — something to pursue when budgets allow or when leadership feels the time is right. But in reality, standing still with outdated systems is not a neutral choice. It carries hidden costs that grow larger every year, from mounting compliance risks to cyber…

We’re heading to the PIPTA 2025 Conference in Eugene, Oregon next month! ARMS & Cardinal Tracking will be on-site showing how agencies can streamline parking enforcement, simplify permits, and empower officers with mobile citation tools. Stop by our booth for an in-person demo and see how modern parking management can save your team time.

We’re heading to the MAPTA Fall Conference & Trade Show 2025 in Ellicott City, MD! Stop by the ARMS + Cardinal Tracking booth to see how our Parking solutions can help your agency: Visit us at MAPTA and get a live, in-person demo of how ARMS + Cardinal makes parking management smarter.

Technology modernization is no longer optional for public safety agencies — it’s essential. Outdated systems create inefficiencies, raise costs, and expose organizations to risks ranging from compliance fines to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Yet despite the urgency, many modernization projects stall before they begin. The reason? Winning stakeholder support often proves harder than implementing the technology itself.…

ARMS & Cardinal Tracking will be at the Campus Parking & Transportation Association Conference in Arlington, TX! Stop by our booth for an in-person demo of how ARMS helps campuses: We can’t wait to connect with you at CPTA 2025 — see you in Arlington!

We’re excited to announce that ARMS will be attending the 2025 South Carolina Police Chiefs Leadership Conference in Myrtle Beach! If you’re joining us at the conference, make sure to stop by our booth for a live, in-person demo of our all-in-one CAD/RMS platform. From automating NIBRS & Clery reporting to Mobile CAD in the…

Across the public safety sector, many agencies still rely on outdated Records Management Systems (RMS). These legacy tools often slow operations, increase costs, and put agencies at risk of compliance errors. Leaders know a change is necessary—but the question is when. The answer might surprise you: the fourth quarter is the most strategic window to…

Compliance reporting isn’t just a bureaucratic exercise—it’s the foundation of accountability in public safety. Whether you’re a university police department filing Clery reports or a municipal agency submitting NIBRS data, accuracy and timeliness carry real weight. When those reports fail, the consequences extend far beyond paperwork. From steep fines to damaged reputations, the cost of…