Finding the right fleet management platform for your police department: A deeper dive

Having a baseline understanding of the benefits of police fleet management software is the starting point when looking to optimize your policing operations. To follow up on our public safety software 101 guide, we’re going deeper into the features and functionality that a modern police department requires. Read on to learn which police fleet management features are most vital, how to measure their impact and which strategies to deploy for a successful implementation. Plus, we’ll also share why having a fleet management partner that is actively invested in your department’s success makes all the difference.

What police fleet management features do I need?

So, you’ve already learned what the capabilities of public safety software are, but what is the next step in your telematics journey? Between the wealth of features that so many different solutions offer, it’s critical to differentiate which features are mandatory for your department versus which are simply nice to have. Making a checklist or table can make it easier to delineate your fleet’s needs and make an informed decision. Some of the most important fleet features for law enforcement typically include:

• Asset utilization metrics to identify which vehicles are being driven most versus least
• Predictive maintenance tools
• FMIS system integrations
• Driver inspection reporting (DVIRs)
• Operational integrations with vehicle light bars, gun rack and sirens
• Minor collision detection capabilities
• AI-enabled safety benchmarking tools and predictive collision rates (PCRs)
• Remote engine diagnostics and engine measurements with automated reporting
• Deep engine insights that allow you to check and understand engine codes
• Customizable rule features that can notify you ahead of time regarding engine status details
• Collision reconstruction capabilities
• Historical vehicle GPS data
• The ability to monitor driver behavior with reports on seatbelt usage and driving tendencies
•  Integrations with video telematics
• Sustainability features like an Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) and fuel consumption monitoring

Identifying the most essential features to elevate your police fleet goes hand in hand with forecasting the ROI. Next, we’ll cover how you can determine whether the benefits of a telematics solution are worth the investment.

How will this platform benefit my law enforcement agency’s operations?

Fleet management ROI comes in the form of enhanced safety, lower costs and improved operational agility for police departments. After carefully studying your police fleet’s needs and determining the required features to help you achieve your KPIs, build a business case by forecasting the benefits’ impact. This can be done with careful research and by planning specific scenarios for how your fleet management solution will be used. Several examples include:

1. Reducing unnecessary burn from excessive idling or speeding by tracking fuel consumption.
2. Optimizing your fleet’s size via utilization-based right-sizing.
3. Taking optimal care of police vehicles and keeping them ready for action with data-driven maintenance.
4. Report on your department’s most frequently patrolled areas and under-patrolled areas, then take corrective action by integrating your new solution with spatial mapping software.
5. Enhancing fleet safety by using integrated telematics safety features like benchmarking, risk analytics and collision reconstruction.

In each use case, there is a clear path to reduced costs, improved efficiency and enhanced officer safety. Conducting this scenario-planning exercise helps you carry out your department’s due diligence and fosters a responsible use of taxpayer funds. For another cost-effective option, piloting a police fleet management solution on a smaller scale first can help you closely measure initial results before deciding to roll it out across the rest of your vehicle roster. 

Pairing a pilot program with a strong communications strategy in your department can also help officers realize the power of telematics and how it works for them, not against them. By improving officer safety, offering critical evidence to corroborate event claims and helping your department improve emergency response, this technology offers frontline aid that results in smarter policing.

Did you know? Geotab’s fleet management solution for police offers features like Asset Utilization, Safety Center and Maintenance Center? With all of these tools, you can gain deeper visibility into your fleet operations, develop data-driven strategies and help optimize your service to the public.

How can I tailor this solution to the current processes and systems my police department currently uses?

To maintain operational stability as you implement a fleet management solution, look for any opportunities to make the transition easier. The platform you’re choosing should be able to work with or closely align with the other technologies that are staples of your department. These can include: evidence management systems, GIS solutions, cabin temperature monitoring technologies, gun racks, lights and sirens or other field assets. By collecting data from all these systems, you can easily spot usage inefficiencies and help streamline operations. Additionally, you can complete your operational puzzle by fitting fleet management data into the crevices that officer body camera footage alone can’t provide. Gain a complete view of all field operations and protect your officers with comprehensive data that provides the facts, regardless of the situation.

Did you know? Geotab’s police fleet management solution integrates with a number of public safety technologies and is flexible and scalable for the needs of your department. No matter the types of vehicles or assets your policing activities rely on, we can help you tailor our solution to meet your operational requirements.

What kind of telematics provider is my department partnering with?

The final consideration your department should make when selecting its fleet management solution is who the provider is. Partnering with a telematics company that is an authority in public sector fleet management and that truly cares about your success is just as important as the technology they bring to market. Research the company’s philosophy on customer experience and how you can expect to be treated, from initial discovery to product implementation. Your fleet management provider should be eager about helping your police department solve its unique challenges and offer proactive, data-driven assistance.

Did you know? Geotab is trusted by over 3,000 government customers. We’re committed to helping your police department run more efficient operations with powerful fleet management tools, walking with you during each phase of your telematics procurement process.

Why Geotab is the right fleet management partner for your police department

At Geotab, we're passionate about helping those who help the public. Every day, we’re innovating and developing our fleet technologies further to help departments like yours keep officers safer and boost operational efficiency, leading to significant cost savings. We understand the unique challenges law enforcement faces, and we’re committed to providing you with a fleet management solution that not only meets your current needs but also adapts and evolves with you. By partnering with us, you’ll gain a trusted ally dedicated to empowering your department with the tools and insights necessary to serve your community and help your officers return home safely each day.

Explore our ebook to learn more about optimizing your operations with a police fleet management solution. Discover Geotab’s solutions for smarter, safer policing by scheduling a free 1:1 consultation with us.