Text-based messaging and collaboration technologies have become the preferred communication method over phone calls and email. However, the technology landscape of these apps is evolving rapidly, along with the associated regulatory and compliance environments. Does your agency rely on consumer apps which violate transparency and discovery laws, but depend on them out of necessity? Are you aware of the risks to your organization of using apps with self-disappearing messages? Are you concerned about the risks of lawsuits and negative media attention? If not, you should be! Adopting a platform that is right for your organization is just the first step. Having a deployment strategy, concept of operations and culture of responsible users are just as important. Panelists will share insights from the local, county, and state perspectives on how they are leveraging collaboration technology to increase the speed of critical information sharing within their individual agencies as well as across agencies. Panelists will address how their respective organizations independently and jointly addressed budget implications, developed policies and procedures, and overcame cultural barriers - and the unprecedented operational outcomes realized as a result.
Discussion may touch on topics such as: 911 & Alerts; Broadband; Budget & Funding; Cloud; Cybersecurity; Interoperability; Project Management; Regulatory & Legal: Situational Awareness

Takeaway

1. Understand the importance of treating text-based messaging as a critical operational communications tool. 2. Learn how to formally operationalize text-based messaging, and the associated implications on budgets, policies, procedures, culture and more. 3. Cite real-world incidents and how collaboration technology aided various public safety operations through streamlined information sharing across agencies.
4. Bring to light the emerging criminal justice system concerns with the use of messaging apps in law enforcement.