Key Reasons Law Enforcement Officers Use Dictation Devices

Law enforcement officers have long used dictation devices for voice recordings, whether for taking notes, interviewing suspects or simply saving time by multitasking in the car. Using dictation devices allows law enforcement to keep better records and preserve evidence in an easy, convenient manner.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top reasons law enforcement agencies use dictation devices in their work:

  • Saves time: Many people find it faster and easier to take notes by dictation, especially when they’re on the go. Whether an officer uses dictation devices to record information for police reports while it’s still fresh in their memory or they want to take a quick note about an idea or revelation, dictation devices make it easy to keep track of information and save time.
  • Reduces transcription costs: Any time a law enforcement agency takes a voice recording, the recording has to be transcribed. This could be for discovery purposes or simply creating an accurate paper trail. Dictation devices make it easy to generate transcripts, which cuts down on the amount of time a transcriptionist needs to prepare the written record.
  • Keep better records: No matter what kind of investigation or incident occurs, using dictation devices allows law enforcement to keep better, more complete records. The more information that an officer keeps track of, the more robust the record will be. From interview impressions to reminders about what needs to be followed up on, everyone can benefit from better records overall.
  • Take advantage of multitasking opportunities: Many law enforcement agents end up spending a lot of time in the car, from patrols to commutes. Using a dictation device is an efficient way to make the most of an officer’s time. Dictation devices are mostly hands-free, making it easy to record notes while they’re in a vehicle—otherwise, they’d need to pull over to jot things down.
  • Accommodate disabilities: Many of us take our ability to write or type for granted, but not everyone has the physical capacity to do so. Dictation devices help accommodate disabilities, which ensures that everyone gets a chance to do their preferred jobs.
  • Manage paperwork: Law enforcement agencies have a lot of paperwork, from police and incident reports to interviews, notes and more. Dictation devices can be trained to recognize the officer’s voice, allowing them to record 130 words per minute or more. The information is digitally transcribed to save time on writing and typing after the fact.
  • Collaborate with other agencies: Finally, dictation devices make it a lot easier for law enforcement agencies to collaborate. Since the voice recordings are digitized and easily shareable, it’s much easier to pass along crucial information to the other people who need it.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons law enforcement uses voice recordings. If you’re interested in outfitting your team with the latest and greatest dictation technology, reach out to the staff at Efficiency, Inc. today. We can help you find the right solutions for your agency.

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