The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) recently received a demonstration of the latest advancements in policing technology from Axon, a company that specializes in creating equipment for law enforcement officers. During the showcase at the Knoxville Public Safety Building, Axon presented a range of new gadgets including drones, body cameras, and virtual reality training tools.
The virtual reality training allows officers to simulate and practice handling dangerous situations, while the body cameras, which have been in use by KPD for a few years, are valuable for training purposes as well. Julia Small, Technology Manager for KPD, highlighted the benefits of using body cameras for training purposes, as they provide supervisors with the opportunity to review footage and identify areas where additional training may be needed.
In addition to this, KPD is exploring the integration of a security camera database, which would allow businesses to grant permission for local law enforcement to access their security camera footage in real-time in the event of a crime. This real-time access to security cameras can greatly enhance officer safety by providing them with a live feed of the situation they are responding to. Jim Price, an Account Executive for Fusus by Axon Products, explained how this technology could benefit law enforcement agencies across the region.
The showcase was well-attended by several law enforcement agencies including Caryville Police Department and TEMA. With advancements like these, law enforcement agencies are able to enhance their training and response capabilities ultimately improving public safety.
