3 Considerations When Choosing the Best Investigation Management Software

Traditional investigation management methods have significant limitations, often reliant on RMS add-ons, additional case management modules, homegrown data systems, or staff-intensive manual processes. These methods lack the analytical, collaborative, and workflow tools detectives need to manage complex cases efficiently. Even when these processes adequately work to collect case information, they often do not provide the analytics necessary for command staff to get an overview of workload management and the best ways to allocate resources, where cases are in the investigation, and what the trends impacting cases - from prosecutorial decisions to crime types.

CaseBuilder provides these tools and more, leading to improved clearance rates, better oversight of crucial investigative resources, improved investigator caseloads, and more accessible data sharing of case information between investigators and prosecutors. While solving cases is the primary goal, having an investigation management system that provides analytics and data to track investigator workload and performance across all cases helps promote accountability and transparency. CaseBuilder provides this valuable information via scheduled reports and on-demand interactive visualizations. This enables command staff to make intelligent and informed decisions regarding investigator performance and workload. This data is instrumental in determining staffing priorities, efficient resource allocation, and optimal investigative processes and needs for additional resources.

#1 Investigative Analytics is Essential

Building strong cases is crucial, no matter the crime. When a high-profile crime gains media or citizen attention, command staff are often pushed to gather a case status quickly, with frequent updates. A robust investigation management software like CaseBuilder provides visual analytical tools for supervisors to determine the case status quickly, along with what other cases the investigators are working on and where each case is in the investigation process. Not only does the ease of checking an investigation's status and journey save time when the command staff needs to answer questions from the public, media, or elected officials, but it also provides insight and accountability to support resource management and assignment.

Tracking crime trends through analytics is also an essential tool for law enforcement. The 50,000-foot view of all investigations enables command staff to make informed decisions about resources, crimes, and other important information. Knowing a supervisor can see where a case is in the investigation journey also helps determine how long the investigation and prosecutorial process take on average, helping determine how many investigators are needed. Analytics from an investigation management system can also provide insight into crime trends. Knowing more stolen vehicle reports, retail thefts, major crimes, and other types of cases happening in a specific area helps determine the patrol response and assignment of special units.

#2 Impact on Clearance Rates

Investigation management software can significantly improve case clearance rates, particularly for violent crimes. By providing a comprehensive solution that streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, provides analytics and oversight, and improves information management, CaseBuilder enables law enforcement agencies to build stronger cases for successful prosecutions. CaseBuilder provides all of this by delivering an organized and secured case file output for CJIS partners and prosecutors.

Criminals and organized crime are becoming more sophisticated and savvier. The FBI and BJS reported crime data show that overall crime has seen fluctuations, according to the Marshall Project. Different regions and cities across the country have seen significant increases in violent crime, while other areas have observed a downward trend, per the Brennan Center. Most importantly, how crime is perceived to be affecting communities has become an important topic of discussion for Americans, where many believe crime is up, according to the Pew Research Center. Managing investigations more efficiently and effectively through CaseBuilder helps agencies become more organized and progress cases quickly to prosecution.

#3 Integration and Data Sharing are Key Requirements

Integration promotes collaboration not only between agencies and other jurisdictions but also inter-departmentally. When systems like investigations management, records management, evidence tracking, and forensic reporting are integrated, agencies can access real-time case information across multiple platforms and locations. The sharing of data between systems reduces data entry errors and the duplication of time and staff efforts for the investigation.

Working cohesively with others in the agency, such as investigators, evidence custodians, and forensic technicians, is critical when building solid cases. A robust investigations management system, like CaseBuilder, helps keep everything together and tracked. Command staff's ability to use analytics to see where cases are in the process improves transparency and ensures compliance with regulations and policies. The more information on the case accessible by all those working on the investigation, the lower the risk of missing pertinent details, helping build stronger cases.

Schedule a Meeting to Learn More

Other Essential Features to Look for with Investigation Management Software

In addition to the analytics CaseBuilder provides for command staff to guide resources, it is imperative that an investigation management system handles various types of criminal investigations and that it integrates and works well with the agency's RMS. Some aspects to consider when choosing an investigative management solution include:

Comprehensive Digital Case Folder

CaseBuilder offers a structured and searchable digital case folder where all case-related information is organized in one place. This not only streamlines access to information but also ensures no vital detail is overlooked during the investigative process, enhancing the efficiency of the investigation.

Advanced Investigative Analysis Tools

Detecting relationships between people, places, and evidence is crucial for solving cases, and CaseBuilder provides robust investigative analysis capabilities that help detectives quickly identify patterns and connections. The software's search and analytical tools efficiently detect relationships between various case elements, enabling faster case resolutions and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses.

Seamless Collaboration Features

CaseBuilder's collaboration tools allow for seamless sharing of case information, ensuring that all team members, including external partners like prosecutors, are on the same page. The platform also includes alert systems that notify team members of new evidence or updates, keeping everyone informed and aligned.

Workflow Guidance and Customization

CaseBuilder addresses the need for workflow guidance through pre-configured checklists of action items tailored to different types of investigations. These checklists can be customized to match an agency's specific needs, ensuring that investigations follow a structured and efficient process while allowing flexibility.

Real-Time Visibility and Reporting

Offering comprehensive reporting tools, including interactive dashboards that display critical information through graphs, charts, and maps, CaseBuilder provides real-time visibility and reporting. Supervisors can easily assess case status, manage staff caseloads, and generate detailed reports for internal briefings, improving overall case management and resource planning.

Integration with RMS Systems and Other Law Enforcement Tools

CaseBuilder integrates with your existing RMS system to add the investigative management component that most case management add-ons to the RMS lack. CaseBuilder can also integrate with other tools, enhancing investigative processes and streamlining data entry and searches between systems.

Secure and Compliant Platform

Security and compliance are critical concerns for law enforcement agencies, particularly when handling sensitive case information. CaseBuilder is designed with security in mind, running on AWS GovCloud and complying with stringent security standards, including CJIS. The platform also supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), ensuring only authorized users can access case information.

Flexible User Permissions and Access Controls

CaseBuilder offers highly configurable user permissions and access controls, allowing agencies to restrict access to specific components or data based on user roles. This ensures that confidential information remains secure and cannot be accessed or disseminated by unauthorized users, enhancing the overall integrity of the investigative process.

The Best Investigation Management Software

Solving cases, especially those involving violent crime, is a priority for every agency and community. Harnessing the power of investigation management software, such as CaseBuilder, allows investigators to be more efficient when working on cases and can even provide additional leads depending on the integration and data sharing. And, equally important in solving cases is the ability for command staff to see the overall analytics to improve resource deployment and keep the community updated.

By carefully considering these factors, law enforcement agencies can choose the best investigation management software to meet their needs. CaseBuilder, with its comprehensive features, including analytics, the ability to integrate with other systems and share data, and its proven impact on clearance rates, stands out as the top choice for agencies looking to improve their investigative processes and outcomes.

Contact us to learn more about CaseBuilder and see how it can work with your agency's investigative needs.

Contact Us

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.