In a digitally driven world, law enforcement agencies are tasked with managing increasing amounts of evidence via online data. Whether it’s body-worn camera footage, in-car video, or other forms of electronic records, securely storing, managing, and retrieving this evidence is critical. However, agencies often face a dilemma: should they opt for local digital evidence management systems or adopt cloud-based solutions? Each setup offers distinct benefits and challenges, and understanding the differences can help your agency make an informed decision.
Let’s explore the advantages of both local and cloud-based digital evidence management systems. We’ll also look at how Kustom Signals has flexible solutions to meet the specific digital evidence needs of law enforcement agencies, whichever option they choose.
Local Digital Evidence Management
Local digital evidence management systems involve the storage and management of digital evidence on-site, using servers or dedicated storage devices within the agency’s infrastructure.
Local Management Advantages
- Greater Control Over Equipment: Local systems give your agency full control over the hardware, software, and data management. You can configure the system to meet specific needs, including deciding how and where the data is stored.
- Fixed Costs: Local storage systems typically involve one-time costs for hardware and setup. This makes budgeting easier for your agency since the cost structure is predictable and doesn’t involve recurring fees.
- Security Control: By managing your own servers, you can implement customized security measures, such as physical access controls.
- Ready to Deploy : A local system can be provided ready to meet the unique requirements of your agency and how your evidence needs to be organized, archived, and accessed.
Local Management Disadvantages
- Maintenance: Local systems require ongoing maintenance, including software updates, hardware upgrades, and troubleshooting, which could require dedicated IT staff.
- Limited Storage: Physical storage capacity is finite, and scaling up the system may require significant investments in additional hardware or infrastructure.
- Redundant Backups: Backup sites in other physical locations due to natural disasters require additional setup and staff.
Cloud Digital Evidence Management
Cloud digital evidence management solutions store and manage data on remote servers maintained by third-party providers. This is a great option for many law enforcement agencies, especially those without a dedicated IT department.
Cloud Management Advantages
- Easier to Manage: Cloud-based systems are hosted and maintained by the provider, meaning agencies don’t need dedicated in-house IT resources to manage the system. This reduces overhead and ensures that the latest technologies and security protocols are in place.
- No Worries About Physical Security of Evidence: Since cloud providers manage physical security in data centers, agencies don’t need to worry about securing physical servers. Data is stored in highly secure facilities, often with backup locations to ensure redundancy.
- Typically Unlimited Storage: Cloud solutions offer scalable storage, meaning your agency can easily handle growing amounts of digital evidence without worrying about running out of space. Many providers offer plans that automatically adjust to your needs.
- Access Evidence from Anywhere: With cloud systems, evidence can be accessed from multiple locations, whether at the station, in the field, or from home, as long as you have internet access. This flexibility supports remote work and collaboration.
- Automatic Data Archiving: Cloud solutions typically include automated data archiving, ensuring that older evidence is stored securely without manual intervention. This makes it easier to comply with retention policies and manage large volumes of data over time.
Cloud Management Disadvantages
- Ongoing Costs: Cloud systems typically involve subscription-based fees, which could accumulate over time. While these costs are often predictable, they may still vary based on usage or storage needs.
- Reliance on Internet Connectivity: Accessing evidence in the cloud requires a reliable internet connection. Agencies in remote areas with limited connectivity might face challenges in accessing data quickly.
Kustom Signals Gives You Both Options
Kustom Signals understands that each law enforcement agency has unique needs and resources. That’s why we offer digital evidence management solutions that work for both local and cloud-based systems, offering the same user experience regardless of the option your agency chooses. Whether your agency is looking to maintain full control over its equipment with a local system or leverage the flexibility and scalability of the cloud, Kustom Signals has you covered with dependable technologies:
- Argus Data Vault – the ultimate video evidence file management software that combines the power of an easy-to-use back office system with smart fleet management tools.
Our digital evidence management solutions provide a wide range of features, from secure storage to easy retrieval, all designed to streamline the management of your evidence. Whether you opt for local systems or cloud-based solutions, you’re assured you have the tools necessary to store, manage, and protect critical digital evidence securely and efficiently.
Reliable Digital Evidence Management Solutions
Kustom Signals provides innovative digital evidence management systems designed to fit the needs of today’s law enforcement. Whether your agency needs a local or cloud-based approach, Kustom Signals has the expertise and technology to support your agency’s efforts in managing and securing digital evidence.
Contact Kustom Signals today to learn more about how our solutions can help your department improve digital evidence management and ensure the security of critical data.