CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ONLINE CRIME REPORTING SYSTEM (CRIME PORTAL)

PROJECT SUMMARY

MUKOSA DONALD

STUDENT NUMBER 2004031835

CONTACT 0777963036/0962867171

LECTURE: MR ZULU E

COURSE: PROJECT

CODE: EDCS 4304

© 2024

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Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
PROBLEM STATEMENT......................................................................................................................2
OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................................................3
Literature review...............................................................................................................................4
TECHNOLOGY USED...............................................................................................................................5
KEY STAKEHOLDERS.............................................................................................................................10
SOME LIMITATIONS.............................................................................................................................13
FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................15
Project prototype................................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................21

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Introduction
In today's digital era, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the importance
of efficient and accessible crime reporting mechanisms is paramount. Traditional methods of
reporting crimes often involve lengthy procedures, physical visits to police stations, and
significant paperwork, which can deter individuals from coming forward. To address these
challenges and modernize the crime reporting process, the Online Crime Reporting System,
also known as the Crime Portal, has been developed. This system represents a significant
advancement in how criminal activities are reported and managed, offering a digital solution
that bridges the gap between the public and law enforcement agencies.

The Crime Portal is a sophisticated web-based application designed with the primary
objective of streamlining the reporting and management of criminal activities. It serves as an
innovative platform that enables individuals to report crimes, track the progress of their cases,
and receive updates from law enforcement agencies—all from the comfort of their homes. By
leveraging modern technology, the system ensures that the process of reporting a crime is not
only more accessible but also more efficient and user-friendly.

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Overview

The Crime Portal is developed to significantly enhance the traditional crime reporting
process. Traditionally, reporting a crime often involves navigating bureaucratic hurdles and
enduring long wait times at police stations. This conventional approach can be cumbersome
and discouraging for those seeking to report criminal activities. The Crime Portal
revolutionizes this process by making crime reporting more efficient, transparent, and
accessible.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
The traditional methods of reporting crimes involve physically visiting police stations, which can be
time-consuming, inconvenient, and sometimes intimidating for victims and witnesses. This often
leads to underreporting of crimes, delays in police response, and inefficient management of crime
data. The lack of a streamlined and accessible reporting mechanism hampers the effectiveness of
law enforcement agencies and undermines public trust and safety.

Key problems include:

1. Accessibility Issues:

 Individuals, especially those in remote or rural areas, face difficulties in

accessing police stations to report crimes.

 Physical visits can be a barrier for those with disabilities or those who feel
threatened by visiting a police station.

2. Time-Consuming Processes:

 Traditional reporting methods involve significant paperwork and

administrative tasks, leading to delays in registering complaints and initiating
investigations.

 Victims and witnesses often need to repeatedly visit the station to follow up on
their reports, which can be discouraging.

3. Underreporting of Crimes:

 Due to the inconvenience and fear of retaliation, many crimes go unreported,

leading to a lack of data for law enforcement to act upon.

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  Minor crimes and incidents are often ignored by the public due to the
perceived hassle of reporting them.

4. Inefficient Management and Tracking:

 Law enforcement agencies struggle with managing and tracking numerous

paper-based reports, leading to potential loss or mismanagement of
information.

 Lack of real-time status updates on cases can frustrate victims and reduce their
trust in the justice system.

5. Resource Allocation Challenges:

 Without an efficient system to prioritize and manage crime reports, law

enforcement agencies face difficulties in allocating resources effectively.

 Delays and inefficiencies in the initial stages of crime reporting can hinder
timely intervention and resolution.

OBJECTIVES
To address these challenges, the Online Crime Reporting System (Crime Portal) aims to:

 Provide a convenient and accessible platform for individuals to report crimes from
anywhere at any time.

 Streamline the reporting process, reducing administrative burdens and speeding up

response times.

 Encourage the reporting of all types of crimes, ensuring comprehensive data

collection for law enforcement agencies.

 Enhance transparency and trust by allowing users to track the status of their reports in
real-time.

 Improve the efficiency of law enforcement operations by enabling better management

and prioritization of crime reports.

 Ensure the secure handling of evidence and sensitive information, protecting the
privacy and safety of users.

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Literature review
The literature on online crime reporting systems provides a solid foundation for
understanding their benefits and challenges. However, there are notable gaps in long-term
impact studies, user behaviour analysis, and the effectiveness of security measures.
Addressing these gaps through targeted research and continuous improvement can enhance
the effectiveness, security, and accessibility of these systems, ultimately leading to better
crime reporting and management.

Existing Research

Studies highlight the inefficiencies of traditional methods, including the inconvenience and
intimidation factors associated with in-person reporting. This often leads to underreporting of
crimes, especially minor or sensitive ones (Johnson & Manning, 2010; Skogan, 2015).

Research indicates that digital platforms for crime reporting significantly improve reporting
rates and data quality. Online systems provide a more accessible and less intimidating means
for the public to report crimes (Smith et al., 2012; Jones & Williams, 2014).

Online systems enhance resource allocation for law enforcement, provide detailed data for
better case management, and foster greater community engagement by increasing
transparency and trust (Garcia & Burns, 2019).

Security and privacy concerns, digital accessibility issues, potential for false reporting, and
resistance to change are major challenges highlighted in the literature. These systems need
robust security measures and user-friendly interfaces to be effective (Williams & Rowe,
2016).

Identification of Knowledge Gaps

While short-term benefits of online crime reporting systems are documented, there is a lack
of long-term studies on their sustained impact on crime rates and public safety. More research
is needed to understand how different demographics interact with online crime reporting
systems, including barriers to adoption and usage patterns.

While security recommendations are made, empirical studies evaluating the effectiveness of
these measures in real-world implementations are limited.

There is a gap in research on the specific technical and administrative challenges involved in
integrating online reporting systems with existing law enforcement infrastructure.

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Limited research exists on how these systems handle crimes that span multiple jurisdictions
and the protocols for inter-agency cooperation. More studies are needed to explore solutions
for ensuring equitable access to online crime reporting systems, particularly for underserved
and rural communities. There is a need for more comprehensive frameworks for
incorporating user feedback into the iterative development process to continuously improve
the system based on real-world usage.

TECHNOLOGY USED
Various technologies are utilized across different components of the system. These
technologies ensure that the system is scalable, efficient, and capable of handling a high
volume of reports while providing a seamless user experience.

Front-End Technologies

1. HTML5: Used for structuring the content on the web pages and providing the basic
framework for the user interface.

2. CSS3: Employed for styling the web pages to make them visually appealing and
responsive across different devices.

3. JavaScript: Utilized for adding interactive elements to the website, enhancing the
user experience with dynamic content and real-time feedback.

4. Bootstrap: A front-end framework that helps in developing responsive and mobile-

first web pages quickly.

Back-End Technologies

1. PHP: A server-side scripting language used for handling the logic of the web
application, managing user sessions, and interacting with the database.

2. MySQL: A relational database management system used to store and manage all the
data related to crime reports, user information, and system logs.

3. Apache: A widely used web server software that handles requests from users and
serves web pages.

Security Technologies

1. HTTPS/SSL: Ensures secure communication between the user's browser and the
server, protecting sensitive data from being intercepted.

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 2. Data Encryption: Protects sensitive information stored in the database by encrypting
data, ensuring that even if data is breached, it cannot be easily read.

Development Tools

1. XAMPP: An open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package

containing Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl, used for local development and testing.

2. Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text: A text code editor used for writing and
editing code with support for debugging, version control, and extensions.

Additional Technologies

1. jQuery: A JavaScript library that simplifies HTML document traversing, event

handling, animating, and Ajax interactions for rapid web development.

2. Ajax: Enables asynchronous communication between the client and server, allowing
the web pages to be updated asynchronously without reloading the entire page.

By leveraging these technologies, the Online Crime Reporting System provides a

comprehensive solution for efficiently managing crime reports and facilitating seamless
communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Methodology

Agile Methodology has been used for Developing an Online Crime Reporting System and
this methodology includes steps listed b below.

1. Initial Planning and Backlog Creation

This is the project vision, the high-level goals and objectives of the online crime reporting
system formulated on this stage. Gather requirements from law enforcement, potential users,
and other stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities. Created a list of features,
enhancements, and bug fixes.

2. Sprint Planning

Plan sprints (short, time-boxed development cycles, typically 2-4 weeks) with specific goals
based on the product backlog. Break down user stories into manageable tasks and assign
them for specific period of time.

3. Development and Iteration

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Conducted short daily meetings to discuss progress, identify blockers, and plan the day’s
work. Implemented features and improvements based on sprint goals. Focus on delivering
working increments of the system.

4. Continuous Testing

Automated Testing: Develop and run automated tests to ensure code quality and
functionality. Perform manual testing for usability, functionality, and security aspects. User
acceptance testing (UAT) should be conducted with stakeholders to validate the system.

5. Sprint Review

Present the completed work to stakeholders at the end of each sprint. Demonstrate new
features, improvements, and fixes. Gathered feedback from stakeholders to assess if the
developed features meet the expectations and adjust the backlog accordingly.

6. Sprint Retrospective

Reflect on the sprint to discuss what went well, what didn’t, and how processes can be
improved. Identify and implement action items to enhance team performance and workflow
in the next sprint.

7. Release Planning

Plan releases of the system in increments, delivering functional parts of the system
progressively. This approach allows for early deployment and user feedback. Provide
necessary training and documentation as features are released to ensure effective use of the
system.

8. Ongoing Maintenance and Improvement

Bug Fixes and Enhancements: Continuously address any issues and implement improvements
based on user feedback and evolving requirements. Regularly update the system with new
features and enhancements based on the prioritized backlog.

9. Adaptation and Scaling

Adjust priorities and development plans based on changing needs and feedback. If the system
grows in complexity or user base, scale the Agile practices to include larger teams or
additional sprints.

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SYSTEM KEY FEATURES
User Registration and Authentication

 Account Creation: Users can create personal accounts by providing essential details
such as name, contact information, and address. This process typically includes email
verification or mobile number confirmation to ensure account security.

 Secure Login: The system implements robust authentication mechanisms, including

strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA), to safeguard user
accounts and sensitive information.

 Role-Based Access: Different user roles are defined, such as general users and law
enforcement officers. General users can report crimes and track their cases, while law
enforcement officers and staff have specialized access for managing and processing
reports.

 Profile Management: Users can update their personal information, change

passwords, and manage their account settings through a secure user profile interface.

Crime Reporting

 Detailed Report Submission: Users can fill out comprehensive forms to submit
crime reports. These forms capture critical information such as:

o Crime Type: The category of the crime (e.g., theft, assault, vandalism).

o Location: The exact location or address where the crime occurred, which may
include a map interface for precise location marking.

o Date and Time: The date and time when the crime took place.

o Description: A detailed narrative of the incident, including circumstances,

suspects, and witnesses.

o Evidence: Users can upload images, videos, or documents as evidence, which

are attached to the report for further investigation.

 Crime Categories: The system supports a wide range of crime categories to ensure
that users can accurately report all types of incidents. Each category may have
specific fields and requirements tailored to the nature of the crime.

Complaint History and Status Tracking

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  Report History: Users have access to a comprehensive history of all their submitted
reports. This includes details such as submission dates, report numbers, and
summaries of each case.

 Status Tracking: Users can track the status of their complaints in real-time. Status
updates may include stages such as "Under Review," "Investigating," "Resolved," or
"Closed." Notifications and alerts are provided for significant changes or updates.

 Transparency: The ability to view report history and status helps maintain
transparency and builds trust between users and law enforcement. Users are kept
informed about the progress and outcome of their cases.

Administrative Management

 Report Management: Law enforcement staff can access and manage pending reports
through an administrative dashboard. This includes viewing details of new reports,
assigning cases to officers, and monitoring overall case progress.

 Status Updates: Officers can update the status of reports as investigations progress.
This includes marking reports as completed, resolved, or requiring additional
information.

 Record-Keeping: The system ensures accurate record-keeping by allowing staff to

update report details, manage evidence, and maintain a comprehensive log of all
actions taken on each case.

 Administrative Controls: Features for managing user roles, permissions, and access
levels help maintain system security and ensure that only authorized personnel can
perform specific tasks.

Evidence Management

 Evidence Upload: Users can securely upload evidence files, such as images, videos,
or documents, which are linked to their respective reports. The system ensures that
evidence is stored securely and is protected from unauthorized access.

 Secure Storage: Evidence files are stored in a secure, encrypted database to protect
them from tampering or unauthorized access.

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  Evidence Access: Law enforcement officers can view and download evidence files to
aid in their investigations. Access to evidence is controlled based on user roles and
permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or handle sensitive
information.

 Evidence Linking: The system maintains links between evidence and corresponding
reports, allowing officers to easily reference and review evidence related to specific
cases.

These features provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and functionalities of

the system, designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crime reporting and
management.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
1. End Users

 General Public: Individuals who use the system to report crimes and track the status
of their reports. They rely on the system for a convenient and accessible way to report
incidents.

 Victims and Witnesses: Specific members of the public who are directly involved in
or have witnessed crimes. They use the system to submit detailed reports and provide
evidence.

2. Law Enforcement Agencies

 Police Officers: Frontline personnel who investigate reported crimes, review

evidence, and manage case progress. They use the system to receive, process, and
update crime reports.

 Detectives: Specialized officers who handle complex cases and require access to
detailed reports and evidence for thorough investigations.

 Administrative Staff: Personnel responsible for managing the overall operation of

the system, including case assignment, report management, and ensuring compliance
with legal and procedural requirements.

3. System Administrators

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  IT Administrators: Individuals responsible for maintaining the technical aspects of
the system, including server management, database maintenance, and ensuring system
security.

 Support Staff: Technical support personnel who assist users and law enforcement
with system-related issues, troubleshooting, and providing helpdesk support.

4. Government Agencies

 Local Government Authorities: Officials who oversee law enforcement agencies

and may use the data from the system for policy-making, resource allocation, and
public safety initiatives.

 Regulatory Bodies: Organizations that establish guidelines and regulations related to

data privacy, security, and compliance. They ensure that the system adheres to legal
and ethical standards.

5. Development Team

 Software Developers: Professionals who design, build, and maintain the online crime
reporting system. They handle coding, implementation of features, and integration
with other systems.

 UX/UI Designers: Specialists who focus on designing an intuitive and user-friendly

interface for both public users and law enforcement personnel.

 Quality Assurance (QA) Testers: Individuals who test the system to identify and
resolve bugs, ensure functionality, and validate that the system meets user
requirements.

6. Community Organizations

 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Entities that work on crime

prevention, victim support, and community safety. They may use the system to
collaborate with law enforcement and provide additional support to users.
 Local Advocacy Groups: Organizations that advocate for victims’ rights, public
safety, and community engagement. They may provide feedback on the system
and promote its use within the community.

7. Legal and Compliance Experts

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  Legal Advisors: Professionals who ensure that the system complies with legal
standards related to data protection, privacy, and criminal justice.

 Compliance Officers: Individuals responsible for monitoring and ensuring that the
system adheres to relevant regulations and industry standards.

8. Data Analysts

 Crime Analysts: Experts who analyze data collected through the system to identify
crime patterns, trends, and areas of concern. They provide insights that can aid in law
enforcement and public safety efforts.

9. Funding and Sponsoring Entities

 Government Grants: Agencies or departments that provide funding for the

development and maintenance of the system.

 Private Sponsors: Companies or individuals who contribute financial or technical

resources to support the project.

For this system, an online crime reporting system, various stakeholders play important roles
in its development, implementation, and operation. Each of these stakeholders has a vested
interest in the functionality, effectiveness, and security of the online crime reporting and their
collaboration is essential for the system's success.

SOME LIMITATIONS
While an online crime reporting system offers numerous benefits, it also has certain
limitations. Addressing these limitations involves a combination of technological solutions,
user education, and robust policies. By acknowledging and planning for these challenges,
developers and stakeholders can work towards creating a more effective and reliable online
crime reporting system. Some limitations of the system include:

1. Limited Accessibility

Not all individuals have access to the internet or possess the technical skills necessary to use
online systems. This digital divide can exclude certain populations, particularly those in
underserved or rural areas, from utilizing the system effectively. Users may experience
difficulties accessing the system if they use outdated or incompatible devices. Ensuring cross-
platform compatibility can be challenging and may affect user experience.

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2. Security and Privacy Concerns

Despite robust security measures, there is always a risk of unauthorized access or data
breaches. Sensitive information such as personal details and evidence files could be
compromised if the system is not adequately protected. Collecting and storing personal and
sensitive data raises privacy concerns. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations
and safeguarding user privacy is crucial.

3. System Reliability

The system may experience downtime or technical malfunctions, affecting users' ability to
report crimes or access their reports. Regular maintenance and reliable infrastructure are
necessary to minimize such disruptions.

Errors in data entry or reporting can occur, potentially impacting the accuracy and reliability
of the information collected. Ensuring proper validation and verification mechanisms is
essential to maintain data integrity.

4. User Experience Challenges

The system’s user interface must be intuitive and accessible to users of varying technical
proficiency. Poor design or navigation issues can lead to user frustration and hinder effective
reporting. Providing multilingual support and accessibility features, for example for users
with disabilities is essential but can be challenging. Failure to address these needs may
exclude certain groups from effectively using the system.

5. Legal and Jurisdictional Issues

The system may face challenges in handling reports that span multiple jurisdictions or require
coordination between different law enforcement agencies. Jurisdictional complexities can
affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the reporting process. The system must comply with
various legal requirements and regulations, which can vary by region or country. Ensuring
compliance and adapting to legal changes can be complex and resource-intensive.

6. Adoption and Integration

Law enforcement personnel or the public may resist adopting the new system due to
familiarity with traditional methods or concerns about its effectiveness. Overcoming this
resistance requires effective training and communication. Integrating the online crime
reporting system with existing law enforcement databases and systems can be challenging.

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Compatibility issues and data synchronization must be addressed to ensure seamless
operations.

8. False Reporting and Abuse

The system may be susceptible to false or malicious reports, which can strain law
enforcement resources and undermine the system's credibility. Implementing measures to
verify the authenticity of reports can help mitigate this issue. Users might exploit the system
for non-criminal purposes, such as making prank reports or spamming. Implementing
safeguards and monitoring mechanisms is essential to prevent abuse.

9. Resource and Cost Constraints

Developing, maintaining, and continuously updating the system can be expensive. Ensuring
adequate funding and resources is necessary for the system’s long-term sustainability.
Providing training for users and law enforcement personnel, along with ongoing technical
support, requires significant resources and effort.

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Development of a Mobile Application

Create a mobile application version of the online crime reporting system to increase
accessibility and convenience for users who primarily use smartphones or tablets. This app
should be available on major platforms, such as iOS and Android. Implement offline
functionality in the mobile app, allowing users to draft reports and upload evidence even
without an active internet connection. Once connectivity is restored, the app should
automatically synchronize the data. Integrate push notifications to keep users informed about
the status of their reports, important updates, and new features. This can enhance user
engagement and timely intervention.

2. Enhanced Security Measures

Implement end-to-end encryption for data transmission and storage to protect sensitive
information, including personal details and evidence files. Utilize biometric authentication
methods (fingerprint, facial recognition) in the mobile app to enhance security and simplify
the login process. Conduct periodic security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify
and address potential threats and ensure the system remains secure.

3. User Experience and Interface Improvements

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Ensure that both the web-based and mobile versions of the system have a responsive design
that adapts to various screen sizes and devices, providing a seamless user experience. esign
an intuitive and user-friendly interface with clear navigation paths, making it easy for users to
report crimes, upload evidence, and track their cases. Incorporate accessibility features such
as voice commands, text-to-speech, and high-contrast modes to cater to users with
disabilities.

4. Integration with Law Enforcement Systems

Develop APIs and integration tools to connect the online crime reporting system with
existing law enforcement databases and case management systems. This can streamline data
sharing and improve coordination among agencies. Implement real-time data synchronization
between the online system and law enforcement systems to ensure that information is up-to-
date and accurate.

5. Enhanced Reporting and Evidence Handling

Introduce features for verifying the authenticity and quality of evidence submitted through
the system. This may include digital watermarks or metadata analysis to ensure evidence
integrity. Integrate interactive mapping tools in the mobile app and web platform to allow
users to pinpoint crime locations accurately and provide detailed geographical information.

6. Advanced Analytics and Reporting

Implement advanced data analytics tools to analyze crime trends, patterns, and statistics. This
can help law enforcement agencies make data-driven decisions and allocate resources more
effectively. Enable the generation of custom reports and visualizations for law enforcement
agencies and stakeholders to review and assess crime data and system performance.

7. Community Engagement and Support

Provide educational resources and guides within the system to help users understand the
reporting process, their rights, and how to provide useful information. Implement a feedback
mechanism to collect user suggestions, complaints, and experiences. This can help improve
the system based on real user input and needs.

8. Legal and Compliance Adaptations

Stay updated with changes in legal and regulatory requirements related to data protection,
privacy, and crime reporting. Ensure the system complies with all relevant laws and

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standards. Develop mechanisms for handling reports that span multiple jurisdictions or
involve different law enforcement agencies, ensuring effective coordination and resolution.

9. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Adopt Agile methodologies for ongoing development and improvement of the system,
incorporating user feedback and emerging technologies. Regularly assess and expand system
features based on user needs, technological advancements, and industry best practices.

Project prototype

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Backend

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CONCLUSION
The Online Crime Reporting System represents a significant advancement in the way
criminal activities are reported and managed. By leveraging digital technology, the system
provides a streamlined, accessible, and efficient platform for the public to report crimes, track
case progress, and interact with law enforcement agencies. Its web-based interface, combined
with future recommendations for mobile application development, enhances its reach and
usability, making it easier for individuals to engage with the reporting process from any
device.

The system’s key features, such as user registration and authentication, detailed crime
reporting, complaint history tracking, administrative management, and evidence handling,
collectively improve the efficiency and transparency of crime reporting. These features
address traditional reporting challenges by offering a more convenient, real-time, and user-
friendly alternative to conventional methods.

Overall, the Online Crime Reporting System has the potential to significantly impact public
safety and law enforcement operations. By providing a modern, digital solution to crime
reporting, it fosters greater public engagement, supports timely interventions, and enhances
the overall efficiency of the criminal justice process. Continued development and adaptation
to emerging needs and technologies will ensure that the system remains a valuable tool in
maintaining and improving community safety.

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