February 13, 2025

FDNY Adopts Innovative Tech to Enhance Fire Investigations

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News Summary

The FDNY is revolutionizing fire investigations with the adoption of NICE Investigate, a cloud-based platform that streamlines digital evidence management. This advanced tool enhances efficiency, simplifies evidence sharing, and integrates seamlessly with existing systems. As a long-standing technology partner, NICE supports the FDNY’s push towards a more data-driven approach to tackling fire-related crimes. This initiative is set to improve public safety and effectiveness in fire investigations.

FDNY Embraces New Technology to Revolutionize Fire Investigations

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is stepping up its game when it comes to fire investigations. Rolling out a cutting-edge tool called NICE Investigate, the largest fire department in the United States is getting ready to transform how it collects and manages digital evidence. This new platform, which is a part of the NICE Evidencentral system, aims to make investigating suspicious fires faster and more efficient.

What is NICE Investigate?

So, just what is NICE Investigate? Put simply, it’s a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed to streamline the way investigators handle digital evidence. This includes everything from computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records to video and audio recordings. The tool is packed with advanced features like artificial intelligence and automation that help in tasks such as object detection, redaction, and automated case building. Basically, it’s a tech-savvy assistant for investigators clashing with the growing demands of their jobs.

A Centralized Platform for Efficiency

With NICE Investigate, the Bureau of Fire Investigation at the FDNY is set to gain a centralized platform for managing the mountains of digital evidence they handle every year. This will not only improve the overall efficiency of investigations but also make the processes much more effective. As the volume of evidence grows, having a robust system in place is critical.

Sharing Made Simple

One of the best things about the new technology is how it simplifies evidence sharing. Thanks to secure linking, FDNY can easily share digital evidence with other law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, ensuring everyone has access to the information they need. This is especially important given New York State’s strict discovery laws that govern how evidence must be handled.

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

Another key advantage of NICE Investigate is that it will integrate smoothly with the FDNY’s current case management and electronic records request systems. This means that investigators won’t have to reinvent the wheel; rather, they can enhance their existing processes and workflows while improving collaboration across teams.

Transitioning to a New Era

To ensure a smooth transition, NICE will also take care of ingesting and indexing existing digital evidence from FDNY’s legacy systems. This preparation is crucial as it allows the Bureau of Fire Investigation to hit the ground running without missing a beat. With thousands of investigations into arson and fire-related crimes conducted each year, making this leap is timely and essential.

A Long-Standing Technology Partnership

For over two decades, NICE has been a key technology partner to the FDNY. Their long-standing relationship underscores a shared commitment to innovation and supporting the department’s digital transformation strategies. Together, they are paving the way for a more data-driven approach to fire investigations, ensuring that investigators have the tools they need to effectively go after arsonists and protect the community.

Conclusion

As the FDNY implements NICE Investigate, the fire investigation process is gearing up for a much-needed upgrade. This modern technology is ready to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and ultimately improve public safety. With such promising advancements on the horizon, fire investigations are not only getting more efficient but also smarter with every piece of digital evidence that is managed under this innovative platform.