Editor’s note: “Voices of Leadership: Interviews with Command Staff” is a mini-podcast series sponsored by Peregrine that brings you in-depth conversations with law enforcement leaders who share how community connection, innovation and collaboration are transforming public safety. Each episode highlights real-world examples of strategies that have made communities safer, from integrating cutting-edge technologies to fostering stronger ties with citizens and city departments.
Join us to learn from the experiences of command staff as they discuss challenges, successes, and their vision for the future of policing.
Want to learn more about how technology is shaping public safety? Check out Connected Communities: The Future of Community Safety for insights into how digital tools and innovative approaches are helping law enforcement build stronger, safer communities.
Download this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or via RSS feed, and watch the video version on Police1’s YouTube channel.
Technology alone won’t transform policing — but how you use it will. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley explores the mindset shift that’s helping law enforcement agencies maximize impact: using layered technology, shared intelligence and integrated systems to solve crimes faster and respond more effectively — no matter the department’s size.
He talks with two leaders tackling this issue from very different ends of the policing spectrum: Deputy Chief John McMahon of the Los Angeles Police Department and Chief Brian Bubar of the San Pablo Police Department.
Deputy Chief McMahon brings a big-city perspective, where 4.5 million people and 8,800 officers demand tech-driven efficiency.
Meanwhile, Chief Bubar commands a 62-sworn department covering just 2.6 square miles — but with a history as one of the most violent cities per capita, he’s using layered tech solutions to punch above his weight. Together, they explore how their agencies are using software platforms like Peregrine to unify data, why interoperability is critical to public safety and how real-time intelligence can’t be limited by jurisdictional lines.
Tune in to discover:
- Why your “real time crime center” isn’t just a room with TVs — and why that mindset needs to change.
- How a small agency built an RTCC “in spirit” by layering tech like LPR, drone response and gunshot detection.
- The must-have contract language every chief should demand when buying crime-fighting tech.
- How regional data sharing is stopping crime that crosses city lines — and why APIs might be your new best friend.
- What happens when you stop hiding your tech and start showing your community the results.
About our sponsor
Peregrine’s real-time decision and operations management platform empowers law enforcement agencies with the data they need to solve their hardest problems and do their best work. Through advanced data integration technology, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real-time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real-time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.
Key takeaways from this episode
- It’s not about the center — it’s about the system: A true real-time crime center is a layered network of tech and data, not just a room full of screens.
- Interoperability must be non-negotiable: Agencies can’t combat trans-jurisdictional crime with siloed tech. Open APIs and shared data platforms are essential.
- Smaller agencies can lead in innovation: San Pablo PD cut crime in a hotspot shopping center by 20% using proactive data-driven policing and community engagement.
- Community trust starts with transparency: Publicizing tech use and showcasing results on social media turns skeptical residents into vocal supporters.
- Data is only useful if it’s accessible: Whether you’re LAPD or a 60-officer town, officers need a single interface to access the information that keeps them — and their communities — safe.
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