The Naperville, Illinois Police Department (PD) is closing investigations more quickly and has strengthened community collaboration by modernizing its operations with security technology.

As part of a project to streamline investigations and evidence sharing, the Naperville PD sought an efficient and secure way to manage digital evidence. They wanted to move away from the manual, CD-based recording process they had in place, which required significant physical storage and staff resources.

The Naperville PD now uses cloud-based Genetec Clearance system to collect, store, retrieve, and share digital evidence. Since implementing this security technology, investigators have been able to work more efficiently on casework. Not only can detectives collaborate with ease but they can also access files any time. All user interactions within the system are automatically tracked.

At any point, a digital audit trail can prove that the proper chain of custody for the evidence was maintained. And when officers need to record an interrogation outside of the precinct, they use the Clearance mobile app to collect and store evidence. They record the interview and then upload it to the case file in the system.

Implementing Clearance led to another community initiative, the launch of a Community Camera Registration Program. Businesses and residents can now volunteer to share the number and location of video cameras they own. These are plotted on a map within Clearance, making it easy for detectives to locate sources of video evidence within a certain vicinity after a crime occurs. 

Using the security technology, the Naperville PD can email camera owners and request that they share a select video. The user clicks on a link and uploads the video via a web-based portal. Once complete, the detective will be notified, and they can view the evidence online without ever leaving the precinct.

Jason Zbrozek, Deputy Chief of Naperville PD’s Investigations Division, said, “We’re using Clearance to record about three to five interviews every day. But this trend has been increasing due to the best evidence rule, so our State Attorney’s Office is requesting that more interviews be recorded. Clearance has helped us fulfill this increased demand, and the community registry program strengthens our investigative efforts. Anything we can do to connect with the community and save time for our officers and detectives is beneficial to our mission to protect the people and businesses of Naperville.”