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Police forces have a duty to deliver efficient and effective policing. If a police force loses its ability to fulfil that duty and can’t conduct critical activities—such as responding to calls or investigating crimes—it can have a catastrophic impact on the communities they serve.
What is meant by business continuity and resilience?
In the context of police operations, it ensures that officers, staff, volunteers and contractors can continue to deliver services to the community, even in the event of a disruption.
Anyone who has worked in a public safety capacity understands that there are any number of events that can disrupt policing: loss of utility services or failure of IT equipment on the one hand, to a terrorist incident, natural disaster, or even a global pandemic, on the other.
Business continuity management prepares solutions that address disruptions like these, making it possible for police to maintain or restore critical activities within a predetermined amount of time. When these solutions are implemented, the potential consequences of the disruptions are reduced, resulting in a resilient force— and resilient communities. 
Continuity and resilience hinge on communication
Communication happens to be one of those indispensable functions; any disruption to police communication is a barrier to policing. Whether that’s an impediment to the community communicating with police, or an internal communications breakdown, the fact is that uninterrupted, swift, readily accessible communication is of the utmost importance.
Why investing in a resilience business continuity app is important
With a host of other communications mediums out there and available to police forces, such as in-vehicle systems, email, intranet, and so on, why is a communications app necessary? The answer lies in the whole purpose of business continuity and operational resilience, which provides contingency plans where traditional systems might fail.
Here are five reasons why an app should be an integral part of your police department’s business continuity management programme. 
#1 IT'S RELIABLE
An employee app, such as one from Thrive.App, is hosted in the cloud, allowing it to serve as a vital resource that users can access wherever they need. Should systems and servers that support other forms of communication go down, the app is not affected. It’s still accessible by all officers and staff via their mobile devices, so communication and services can continue.
#2 IT'S DYNAMIC
Uncertain times demand adaptable, interactive forms of communication that are capable of transmitting not just the latest news, but also urgent communications and operational briefings. An app can connect those working in disparate locations, chiefly because it’s available wherever officers or other staff are positioned. Features like push notifications and user-generated content mean communication is consistent, timely, and relevant.
#3 IT’S INNOVATIVE
Wiltshire Police happen to be the oldest police force in the UK (formed in 1839), but they saw a need for technology that enables their officers to work in a modern and innovative way. They chose to develop Siren, an employee communications app with Thrive.App, to communicate daily tasking, briefing and priorities.
Employee apps innovate the way police officers communicate with each other, as well as how they receive departmental information. They can receive training and development right in the app, share knowledge via built-in A to Z guides, or ask and answer questions. Reward and recognition can even be delivered via the app, raising morale during tough times.
#4 IT’S SECURE
Due to the very nature of the role, security must be a high priority when it comes to police force communication. While a number of platforms exist that allow communication from a mobile device, few are as secure as a proprietary app where security is a number one priority. Take the example of a popular communication tool, WhatsApp, which has been in the news repeatedly as hackers and cybercriminals have exploited its many security vulnerabilities and hurt users in the process.
An app from Thrive.App allows users to securely send documents and files, as well as securely browse and access 3rd party systems. Every key security protocol and compliance measure is built into our enterprise-grade platform, including Rackspace servers, ISO28001 certification, GDPR compliance, independent security penetration, comprehensive user management, and data encryption.
#5 IT’S SUPPORTIVE
Business continuity management is ineffective if those responsible for its implementation aren’t aware of the planned measures and don’t understand what’s expected of them. Ready, accessible communication via a reliable tool, such as an app, is a must for staff to be trained and informed.
Helping police officers and other staff be resilient in both their personal and professional lives, and empowering them to consume and share information needed to carry out their responsibilities is imperative for their success on all fronts. An employee app allows for individual needs and expectations to be both voiced and addressed, and instills confidence by providing necessary information, whether it’s job-related or related to health and well-being.
Next Steps…
A modern, secure communication tool, such as an employee app, is a must for your business continuity management strategy to be effective.
Talk with us to learn more about the features and benefits of an app from Thrive.App. We’d love to discuss how using an app as part of your police communication technology can improve daily operations & communications.
