In the criminal justice system, probation and parole officers are pivotal in guiding individuals through their journey of rehabilitation and reintegration. Amidst high caseloads and constrained resources, technology emerges as a transformative force to streamline operations, enhance communication, and ensure  officer safety. This article delves into today's innovative technological solutions empowering these officers in their vital mission.

In the demanding world of criminal justice practitioners, subpoenas are essential components of the court process. However, managing their delivery and receipt often becomes a painstaking task for judicial and public safety professionals. Outdated paper delivery processes, communications gaps, and unknown schedulings conflicts can waste time and result in unnecessary errors, docket backlogs, and increased costs.

COVID-19 altered many aspects of our lives, including our government and legal system. For those who work in courts or who have been involved in the legal system over the past few years, there have been a lot of changes. Notably, from local courts to federal courts, hearings had to be held virtually because of the pandemic. As COVID-19 restrictions fall away, the courts are deciding what the court process will look like in the future. Will remote hearings continue to be a part of the legal process, or will courts return to their in-person protocols following the pandemic?

The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement reveals that officers consider technology and training to be one of the top concerns in their departments. Nationwide, 95% of officers responded that their main concern was law enforcement training in areas such as de-escalation techniques, crisis resolution, and mental health management, and 89% said that technology, such as drones and less-lethal weaponry, was their second priority. Officers believe that technology will not only improve their policing ability but also mitigate their taxing workload. Technology is transforming our world, and the field of law enforcement is no exception. As innovations arise, agencies must introduce new technologies as well as train officers how to use them properly and effectively.

The move to virtual hearings at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic not only helped protect public health; it also increased participation in court proceedings. Technological advancements affect every industry and organization. As new digital technologies arise, they present new, more effective ways to get things done, and the court system is no exception.

First response is a profession built on tradition. As such, members have shown a reluctance to accept changes in how they perform their duties – including new technology. But that is slowly changing. Before long, the use of mobile apps or similar advances will be as second nature as patrol cars, self-contained breathing apparatuses and portable radios. Most of today's first responders cannot remember, but the industry was slow to adapt each of those advances -- all of which have helped to shape it.

There may never have been a more challenging time to be working in public safety than right now.  Since the outbreak of COVID-19 many first responders have been working excessively long hours, often for several weeks in a row to keep our communities safe.  These past few weeks have been incredibly tough for law enforcement with civil unrest and calls for reform, de-funding and even dismantling of police agencies. With overtime already spiraling out of control and the long term impact of the economic slowdown, many agencies are looking back in order to chart a course forward.