Why Police Departments Should Use USB Flash Drives To Keep Files Secured
Keeping data secure is important, especially for law enforcement agencies. Back in the good old days, police departments would keep all their files on paper and stored in rooms which would take up a lot of space. More importantly, this would leave important information at risk of things like fires or ink fading from the paper over time.
In situations where servers have technical issues or older storage methods like CDs are not efficient, USB flash drives are an excellent backup or alternative to keeping a departments data secure.
Brief History of Police Technology
Police started using computers for record-keeping in the 1960s but it was not until the 1990s that the majority of departments started using technology to store their data and research crime patterns.
This was also around the time when they started using laptops in their cars. Technology was not the only thing that improved. The accessibility of reports and information also got better.
Nowadays, law enforcement uses technology for basically everything and have even developed its own databases like CLEAR (Citizen Law Enforcement and Reporting).
Why Choose USB Flash Drives?
There is no denying there are multiple methods that can be used to store data. All storage solutions have their pros and cons but USB flash drives have multiple benefits that could help law enforcement securely store their files.
1. Flash Drive Encryption To Protect Sensitive Data
A unique security feature of USB drives is the fact that you can encrypt them. When law enforcement agencies are dealing with sensitive digital evidence, they would be able to store it on an encrypted drive. This would require a password so no one else could access and tamper with that information. In case the evidence gets lost or the server it's kept on is damaged, the flash drive works as a great backup.
2. Portable Information While On The Move
Investigators work in unpredictable environments where they need access to information while they are on the go. USB flash drives are easy to carry and quickly accessible. Dual USB flash drives are great for transferring data from devices like phones to computers or vice versa. Most drives are designed with a tough shell to withstand a rough physical day at work. They also come with caps to protect the chips from water exposure and dirt. Not only is your data secure but the device you store it in is too.
3. Affordable Storage Solutions For Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies often operate under strict budget constraints. Certain storage methods like cloud services and operating their own servers get quite pricey. Running your own servers means you need to have someone who can fix it quickly whenever there is an issue which is also quite expensive. This takes up a lot of budget that could be used on other resources. USB flash drives on the other hand are an affordable alternative that provide long-term value. USB drive's lifespan is up to 10 years. They can handle large amounts of data and do not need to be replaced often making them a great choice for storing sensitive data.
4. Compliance With Data Privacy Regulations
Law enforcement agencies must comply with numerous data privacy regulations. This protects sensitive information and maintains the integrity of evidence. Luckily USB flash drives have advanced security features like encryption and write protection that allow it to meet those requirements.
Conclusion
USBs are an ideal tool for law enforcement agencies to back up and keep their important files secured. They last long and are an affordable alternative that allows them to use their budget for other means.
At USB Memory Direct, we offer custom USB flash drives with fast transfer and write speeds. You can get your logo imprinted onto the drives to easily identify them and use our services to make them more secure. We already work alongside multiple agencies. Let us provide your department with reliable quality flash drives.