In a pilot program, police departments will analyze and use data to boost community relations and reduce uses of force.
The White House wants to leverage data collected by police departments across the county to decrease inappropriate uses of force and improve community relations. It is part of the president’s Police Data Initiative aimed at enhancing community policing.
The president has assembled a volunteer team of “technology experts” to help gather and analyze information on incidents such as vehicle stops and officer involved shootings. The 21 police departments participating in this pilot program have agreed to release a combined total of 101 data sets that have not been previously open to the public.
The Police Foundation and ESRI are building a public safety open data portal to serve as a central clearinghouse for police open data, making it easily accessible to law enforcement agencies, community groups and researchers.
Visit the White House Police Data Initiative for more information.