MdE, Inc. News

For years, the Westbrook Police Department struggled with inefficient data management. The agency, serving a mid-sized city of 150,000 residents, relied on outdated systems that made tracking training, compliance, and personnel performance a tedious and time-consuming process. Officers frequently spent hours sifting through paper records and navigating clunky software interfaces that were not designed for the evolving needs of modern law enforcement. As a result, errors were common, audits were stressful, and leadership lacked real-time insights into critical personnel metrics. The Westbrook PD had expanded rapidly over the past decade. What had once been a force of 120 officers had grown to over 300, and with that growth came increased demands for streamlined operations. However, their existing record-keeping system had not evolved with them. The department’s training officer, Lieutenant Mark Reynolds, described the situation as “a nightmare of disconnected spreadsheets and outdated software that didn’t talk to each other .” […]

Dear Compliance Coach, I’m the training coordinator for a mid-sized law enforcement agency, and I’m struggling with our records management. We rely on a mix of spreadsheets, paper files, and outdated software to track officer training, certifications, and compliance requirements. I’ve lost count of the times we’ve had to scramble to find documentation during audits. I know we need a better system, but with budget constraints and staff who resist change, I’m not sure where to start. How do we transition to a more efficient and reliable data management system without overwhelming my team? — Drowning in Paperwork Dear Drowning in Paperwork, You’re not alone—many public safety agencies face the same struggles when it comes to managing training records and compliance documentation. The good news is that modernizing your system doesn’t have to be overwhelming or break the budget. A strategic approach can ease the transition while improving efficiency, accuracy, […]

For decades, women in public safety have shattered barriers, redefined leadership, and strengthened their communities. While their contributions often go unrecognized, female professionals in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and emergency management have played pivotal roles in advancing public safety. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to highlight the progress made, the challenges still faced, and the ongoing efforts to support diversity in the field. The history of women in public safety is a testament to resilience and determination. In law enforcement, Alice Stebbins Wells became the first American female police officer in 1910, paving the way for future generations (Schulz, 2004). In firefighting, Brenda Berkman’s 1982 lawsuit against the New York City Fire Department opened doors for women seeking careers in the fire service (Hulett et al., 2008). These milestones marked the beginning of significant, though still evolving, representation of women in the field. Today, women serve at […]

Lieutenant Dave Mitchell had always been proud of the work his department did. As a veteran officer with over 15 years of experience, he had seen firsthand how dedication and teamwork could make a real difference in the community. But there was one persistent challenge that made his job harder than it needed to be—outdated, one-size-fits-all software that didn’t align with the way his team operated. Every morning, Dave arrived at the station early, his coffee in hand and a long list of administrative tasks ahead of him. The department’s records management system was supposed to make things easier, but instead, it was a constant source of frustration. Officers spent hours navigating a maze of unnecessary features, trying to locate the simplest pieces of information. Training records were scattered, scheduling was a logistical nightmare, and compliance tracking felt like a never-ending uphill battle. One day, after yet another software crash […]