Implementing a new software system wasn’t new to Lieutenant Matt Timmerman at the Lexington Police Department in South Carolina. SmartCOP’s Records Management System (“RMS”) was the fourth new software project he managed within his 28 years on the force. However, this time, it wasn’t the “clunky” process he had seen with other vendors.
Two years before implementation happened, SmartCOP assigned a Project Manager to Lexington PD. SmartCOP’s PM took the time to visit their site and learn their processes and how they would use the software in their daily jobs. This hands-on experience and advanced planning were firsts for Lt. Timmerman – one he greatly appreciated. SmartCOP’s team was again on-site for the entire week of go-live, ensuring the product was working correctly and all the staff had the training to complete their jobs.
Even the purchasing process was simplified. Lexington PD was able to utilize a cooperative purchasing agreement that their city was already a member of. Using a cooperative purchasing agreement reduced the time and expense of going through a tedious RFP process.
Fast forward a year after implementation, and Lexington PD’s customer support is still the same group of people who were with them when the software went “live”. Lt. Timmerman knows this is a huge benefit that not many vendors provide. He is relieved to be able to call or email someone who directly knows their system, officers, and unique needs when questions arise.
As for the software, Lexington PD couldn’t be happier with their new RMS and Mobile software. They were looking for a system that contained different features – like field-based reporting, mobile computing, fleet management systems, and the issuing of property. They also wanted quick and easy reportability, so jurisdiction hotspots are identified swiftly without returning to headquarters to submit reports, receive approvals, and access information.
Whether staff is in the field or the office, SmartCOP’s single data file system allows everyone to see what is going on in real-time and can respond quickly if a crisis arises. In the past, their systems did not provide an instantaneous data share that left gaps in the flow of information.
A few of Lexington PD’s favorite features of SmartRMS and SmartMOBILE include the Automatic Vehicle Location (“AVL”). With AVL, officers in the field can quickly assess the location and status of every “On Duty” resource. And with ESRI mapping, officers can document their exact location on reports and citations with GPS.
Another thing they appreciate is the ability to customize aspects of the system. Lt. Timmerman especially notices it in the Investigation Department that he is in command of. Their department can now better track how they work their cases. In the past, they’ve only had the option to mark cases as active or closed. This limitation did not allow the team to track where they were in the investigation process accurately. Now, with the ability to customize their system, trackability and accountability are simple.
While Lexington PD has been using SmartRMS and SmartMOBILE for over a year, the partnership with SmartCOP remains high. SmartCOP continues to work with State Agencies in South Carolina to ensure NIBRS requirements are met when updates happen at the state level. Also, when South Carolina implements their new solicitor office RMS system this year, SmartCOP ensures that the SmartRMS information will flow directly into the State system – which will avoid an 11-page report that would otherwise have to be submitted.
With excellent customer service and a true partnership, the Lexington Police Department knows they can count on their SmartCOP products and the team behind them.
