APD Annual Reports - 2017 Annual Report | Page 57

Support Operations Bureau Research and Development • In 2017, the department launched a body- worn camera program, which deployed cameras to all officers from the rank of lieutenant and below. • A major transition to a new Records Management System (RMS) was completed in 2016; however, continued investments in management processes concluded last year. • Officers began transitioning to a new electronic citation device in the field. The Research and Development Unit provides police technology services and support throughout the Department. The Unit achieved its principal goals in 2017 with the procurement of 617 body-worn cameras and 125 electronic citation devices. The team also streamlined operations to align with the agency's new Records Management System Arlington, Texas Police Department (RMS) for storing police records and displaying them on its internal and citizen-facing websites. It sustained police operations through the system administration of RMS, in-car dashcam systems, in-car network infrastructure, mobile security, mobile command vehicle, mobile data computers (MDC), license plate recognition systems, and the police intranet system. The Unit spent a significant amount of time preparing to launch projects in 2018. In 2018, the department will complete the deployment of 617 of its advanced body-worn cameras, 25 additional electronic citation devices, the replacement of 235 mobile data computers, the replacement and upgrade of 200 in-car dashcam systems, and the launch of an internal-facing mobile phone and tablet department application to its approximate 900 employees. 57