Bringing Innovation into Public Safety

IDEA Analytics aims to transform how data is gathered and used in the ever-evolving digital landscape, focusing on public safety agencies.

Many individuals in these agencies face a lack of clear guidelines for managing operations, software, and hardware. They inherit a chaotic digital landscape with no documented history of tool acquisition or alignment with organizational goals. This confusion hinders data utilization and decision-making akin to navigating a cluttered space.

This is where IDEA Analytics comes in.

“Our clients seek our help because they have a vision of what they want to achieve, whether it is implementing body-worn cameras, surveillance systems, or drone programs. We provide them with the knowledge and structure needed to reach their goals. With us, the data they need is right at their fingertips,” says Jessica Herbert, CEO of IDEA Analytics.

The company focuses on data acquisition and governance, enabling strategic, long-term technology choices that integrate with public safety agencies’ objectives, resulting in an efficient technology ecosystem. It facilitates seamless change management for the users, addressing emotional and technical aspects during workforce transitions, morale challenges, retirements, and evolving policing interests.

IDEA Analytics’ transformative services are delivered through its Building Analytical Capacity Program, which aligns leadership, people, and technology by evaluating key areas like business processes and technology components. It allows organizations to assess their existing systems, identify successes, and explore partnerships with entities such as city or county governments.

The programs first phase focuses on enhancing the four fundamental domains crucial for public safety agencies – analytical expectations, personnel skills, data quality, and technology infrastructure. This approach extends beyond leadership to enhance collaboration with municipal partners, fostering a holistic and comprehensive strategy.

The company provides essential support for staffing and technology needs, assisting in recruitment, testing, and tailored training programs. Its expert guidance on technology upgrades, procurement, and change management promotes a strategic approach to growth. The services establish a solid foundation for a two to three-year strategic plan, complete with clear milestones, enhancing adaptability, self-evaluation, and future planning.

Analyst and leadership programs offered in cohorts foster shared learning experiences. Small group coaching addresses specific analyst or leadership needs, enabling clients to revise business processes, develop new initiatives, and effectively collaborate with other agencies. Post-sale services by IDEA Analytics typically span one to three years, featuring mid-year and annual reviews to assess progress and alignment with strategic goals.

We provide them with the knowledge and structure needed to reach their goals. With us, the data they need is right at their fingertips

The benefits of IDEA Analytics’s collaborative engagement can be seen in a notable success story involving a client facing challenges in crime analysis and technology strategy. The partnership led to the introduction of virtual analytics, resulting in increased budgets, analyst recruitment, and technology grants. As a result, the client established a crime center, expanded virtual surveillance capabilities, and enhanced analytical skills. This transformation allowed real-time responses to investigations and concerns and improved preventive and intervention measures.

The client was also able to shift focus towards addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and victim services. This involved emphasizing the role of caseworkers and diversion efforts over solely relying on law enforcement responses. This shift reflects a significant change in how the client supports its community compared to just a few years ago.

Such outcomes are possible owing to its diverse team of experts, including researchers, data scientists, and data engineers, with backgrounds in public safety and various industries. This collective knowledge provides comprehensive support in managing software vendors, licensing agreements, and vendor performance, addressing common gaps within public safety agencies. IDEA brings fresh perspectives from the healthcare and financial sectors to meet client needs and innovate solutions for effectively managing person-based and incident data.

With a foundation in conceptual and technical skills, IDEA Analytics’s approach drives continuous transformation in the public safety sector, marked by achievements and commitment to progress.