Wikipedia

User:Toa Nidhiki05 (Work)/Versaterm

< User:Toa Nidhiki05 (Work)
Versaterm
Founded1977
FounderMike Goudge[1]
Headquarters400-1331 Clyde Avenue,
Ottawa
,
Canada
Area served
North America,[1] Australia, New Zealand[2]
Key people
Warren Loomis (president and CEO)[1]
ProductsCommunications, command center software and video security & access control, managed & support services
Number of employees
115 (2020[1])
Websitewww.versaterm.com

Versaterm is a Canadian company based in Ottawa, Ontario that develops technology products police, fire, and other public safety agencies. Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police employees established the company in 1977; the group had previously developed the Canadian Police Information Centre, a national police database. In 2020, Versaterm was acquired by Banneker Partners, a private equity group, and began a series of acquisitions within the industry.

According to the The Globe and Mail, Versaterm and its rival Niche Technologies, also based in Canada, have "cornered much of the market" for records management in North American police forces.[3]

History edit

Versaterm was founded in 1977 by former employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).[1] By 2015, the company had emerged, according to The Globe and Mail as one of the two largest companies for records management in North American police forces.[3] As of 2020, Versaterm's software is used by around 100 police and fire departments in the US and Canada, and the company services over 130 RCMP detachments in British Columbia.[4]

Versaterm was owned by Michael Goudge until his death in 1998, when ownership passed to his wife and children. In 2020, the business was sold by the family to Banneker Partners, a private equity group based out of San Francisco.[1] Since being acquired by Banneker Partners, Versaterm acquired nine other businesses by 2023, making it one of the most prolific acquirers in the industry in that timespan.[5][6]

Acquisitions edit

Versaterm acquired Baltimore-based Akashi Systems in June 2021.[7] In July 2021, Versaterm acquired SPIDR, a company that sold automated text, email, and mobile software for use by law enforcement,[8] and eJust, a Charge Management Solutions (CMS) provider for police and judicial systems.[9]

In August 2021, Versaterm acquired JusticeTrax, a forensic case management software company.[10] Their services were expanded to the cloud in April 2022.[11] Versaterm acquired Komutel, an emergency call handling provider, in November 2021.[12]

In October 2022, Versaterm acquired FivePoint Solutions, which has technology that "focuses on data integration and case management in law enforcement, courts and schools", according to GovTech.[5] In January 2023, they acquired Visual Labs, a smartphone body and dash camera software provider.[6] In March 2023, Versaterm acquired CI Technologies, a provider of professional standards, internal affairs, wellness, and early intervention software for public safety agencies.[13] In April 2024, Versaterm acquired Integrated Computer Systems;[2] the following month, they acquired Mindbase, a Utah-based "mental health and wellness platform for first responders."[14]

Products edit

According to GovTech, Versaterm services over "65,000 police, fire and medical agencies" with "computer-aided dispatch, records management, citizen engagement and related technologies" as of August 2021.[10] Queen Creek, Arizona[15], Austin, Texas,[16] and Baltimore implemented Case Service in 2023.[17]

CAD software edit

Police agencies that have employed Versaterm's CAD system include Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.[18]

Portland adopted Versaterm's system in 2011, at a cost of $14.5 million.[19][18] Some officers reported difficulties using the system, and some agencies were also irritated by the $2.5 million annual maintenance costs they were required to contribute.[18] However, most of the issues had been fixed by 2013, and Portland defended the launch, pointing out that issues were to be expected in such a new system. Versaterm said "very few" of the reported problems were related to its software.[19] In 2013, Portland attributed issues to improper training of 911 operators.[20]

Records management edit

Versaterm's record management system (RMS) technology includes bi-directional integration with other networks and features a mobile platform.[21]

Versaterm's record management software has been used by police forces from Austin, Texas,[22] British Columbia,[23][24][25] Minneapolis, Minnesota,[26] Pasadena, California,[27] Portland, Oregon[18] Gilbert, Arizona,[28] and Seattle, Washington.[22] Minneapolis began using the system in 2018, at an estimated cost of nearly $10 million over 12.5 years, replacing their 28-year old CARPS system.[29]

Community engagement edit

Community engagement applications support the management of the high volume of calls and incidents by automating certain communications.[30] Versaterm's SPIDR technology can be used to send automated texts or emails after calling 9-1-1, [31] and IAPro can store demographics for officers and subjects as well as performance metrics for officers.[32]

SPIDR been utilized in a number of cities, including Albuquerque,[33] Denver, Colorado,[34] and Washington, DC.[35] IAPro has been used in Yonkers since 2016[32] and San Diego since 2017.[36]

The Versaterm Case Service reporting system was launched in 2023. It uses artificial intelligence to collect information for non-emergency response calls, which can be used instead of the 3-1-1 telephone number.[37]

Versaterm also provides forensic investigation and analysis software,[38] judicial case review software,[39] school safety software,[40] and first responder health and wellness software.[41]

Emergency call handling edit

Versaterm's Komand911 technology is designed to meet requirements for transition from legacy 9-1-1 to Next Generation 9-1-1. It enables dispatchers to manage calls from emergency communication centers (ECCs) or remote locations, as well as additional technology to "streamline call handling and incident information management. [42]

Field response and reporting edit

The Versaterm Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) offers tools for dispatch management, communication with the dispatch center and other units, call-related activities and database queries.[43] Versaterm’s Adashi solutions support emergency management across staffing, response, incident command and real-time incident mapping.[44]

Forensics Investigation and Analysis edit

Versaterm LIMS by JusticeTrax tracks case information, evidence transfers, requests for analysis, and final reports. Its CIMS optimizes how the stocks of raw chemicals, prepared reagents, and other consumables are managed. [10]

Justice and Resolution edit

Versaterm's eJust in Canada delivers case and charge information, while the Versaterm platform in the U.S. aids treatment courts, pretrial services, and probation court staff in data import, report generation, and participant progress tracking.[45]

Responder Health and Wellness edit

Versaterm's software uses text surveys after officer interactions, sharing ratings and trends internally and with the community. EIPro allows supervisors to quickly access and review employee details, identifying concerns with visual indicators.[46]

School Safety edit

Versaterm’s software by FivePoint Solutions keeps information organized, accessible and current while enabling threat assessment teams to improve outcomes for at-risk students and create a safe environment in schools and their communities[5][47]

Recognition edit

2023: ‘ASTORS’ - Best Fire & Safety Solution[48]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f Sali, David (December 11, 2020). "Ottawa public safety software maker Versaterm acquired by U.S. private equity firm". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Versaterm Acquires Integrated Computer Systems (ICS) to Expand CAD and RMS Offerings to All Agencies". The Globe and Mail. April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Hoffman, Kristy; White, Patrick; Webb, Danielle (August 17, 2015). "Carding across Canada: Data show practice of 'street checks' lacks mandated set of procedures". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  4. ^ Staff, Techopia (June 14, 2021). "Versaterm buys Baltimore-based public safety software-maker in bid to boost customer base – Ottawa Business Journal". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Reuter, Thad (March 30, 2023). "What Fuels Versaterm's Public Safety Acquisition Streak?". GovTech. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Sali, David (January 19, 2023). "Versaterm acquires U.S. video software-maker in Ottawa firm's eighth M&A deal since 2020 – Ottawa Business Journal". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  7. ^ Babcock, Stephen (June 22, 2021). "Baltimore public safety software firm Adashi Systems has been acquired". Technical.ly. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  8. ^ "Versaterm Buys SPIDR in Latest Emergency Response Tech Deal". GovTech. July 27, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "Versaterm Expands Public Safety Platform With Acquisition of eJust Systems". Arizona Daily Star. July 12, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c "Versaterm Buys Forensic Software Provider JusticeTrax". GovTech. August 31, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2024. Cite error: The named reference "Versaterm Buys Forensic Software Provider JusticeTrax" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ "JusticeTrax Debuts Cloud Version of Crime Lab Software". GovTech. April 21, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  12. ^ Jackson, Donny (November 19, 2021). "Versaterm continues buying spree with Komutel acquisition". IWCE's Urgent Communications. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  13. ^ "Versaterm Public Safety Strengthens Its Portfolio with the Acquisition of IAPro Solution from CI Technologies". GlobeNewswire. March 16, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  14. ^ Sali, David (May 1, 2024). "Versaterm adds Utah firm to growing stable of software companies – Ottawa Business Journal". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Mixer, Kelly (July 27, 2023). "Queen Creek PD launches new non-emergency reporting service". QueenCreekSunTimes.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  16. ^ Lewis, Ricardo (March 9, 2023). "Austin Police Department explains how the AI non-emergency reporting system will work". CBS Austin. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Watson, Evan (September 21, 2023). "City of Portland plans to use AI to answer all non-emergency calls starting in October". kgw.com. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d Bernstein, Maxine (10 January 2019). "Multnomah County's new 9-1-1 computer dispatch system puts officers and public at risk, police say". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  19. ^ a b VanderHart, Dirk (19 June 2013). "Skipping Record". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  20. ^ Redden, Jim (August 20, 2013). "Audit: 911 dispatchers need more training". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  21. ^ "IACP 2023: Report from the Aisles". Police Magazine. November 29, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  22. ^ a b Kroman, David (6 September 2016). "A 'trade secret': SPD's record-keeping system?". Crosscut.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  23. ^ Crawford, Alison (17 July 2009). "RCMP costs soar with special B.C. computer system". CBC News. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Public safety minister downplays allegations of waste at RCMP". CBC News. 28 April 2009. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  25. ^ Cardoso, Tom; White, Patrick (20 September 2019). "How The Globe tried – and failed – to find the source of Canada's crime guns". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  26. ^ Jany, Libor (13 June 2018). "Minneapolis Police Department unveils new records system to help it keep up with modern crime". Star Tribune. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  27. ^ Calayag, Keith (October 17, 2022). "Pasadena Police Department Replaces 11-Year-Old System to Improve Dispatch and Record-Keeping Capabilities – Pasadena Now". Pasadena Now. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  28. ^ "Gilbert PD Announces Launch of New Dispatch Systems - Signals AZ". Signals AZ. July 25, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  29. ^ Tribune, Libor Jany Star (June 13, 2018). "Minneapolis Police Department unveils new records system to help it keep up with modern crime". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  30. ^ Calderwood, Christie (January 31, 2022). "Smart city technology and the future of policing". Police1. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  31. ^ "Edmonds police improving 911 communications process with automated texts, emails". My Edmonds News. February 7, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  32. ^ a b Singer, Jared (August 1, 2022). "Building an early intervention system: Lessons learned from the Yonkers Police Department". Police1. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  33. ^ Edinger, Julia (September 20, 2023). "Survey, Response Tech Expected to Improve Policing in Albuquerque". GovTech. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  34. ^ Factor, Jacob (November 9, 2023). "Denver Police, 911 launches automated response messaging program". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  35. ^ Belloso, Paula (November 15, 2023). "DC police launch tool that will provide case updates to those who file police report". DC News Now. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  36. ^ Winkley, Lyndsday (June 18, 2017). "Helping cops early to avoid problems down the line". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  37. ^ "Versaterm Launches AI Tool for Non-Emergency Police Reports". GovTech. May 8, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  38. ^ "Versaterm Public Safety Acquires JusticeTrax – Global Leader in Forensic Information Software and Services". Business Wire. August 31, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  39. ^ "Versaterm Expands Public Safety Platform With Acquisition of eJust Systems". Business Wire. July 13, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  40. ^ "Versaterm Public Safety Acquires Leader in Data Integration and Case Management, FivePoint Solutions, to Expand Ecosystem Capabilities". Business Wire. October 12, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  41. ^ "Public Safety Tech Firm Versaterm Buys CI Technologies". GovTech. March 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  42. ^ "Exposition: November 2023". Police Chief Magazine. November 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  43. ^ "Congratulations to the Ventura City PD who went live with the Versaterm CAD and Mobile software on December 4, 2018". Versaterm. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  44. ^ "Adashi launches critical incident & command software integration with 3M™ Scott™ Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Firefighters". FireRescue1. April 22, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  45. ^ "Versaterm Expands Public Safety Platform With Acquisition of eJust Systems". Financial Post. July 13, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  46. ^ "Versaterm Public Safety Strengthens Its Portfolio with the Acquisition of IAPro Solution from CI Technologies". GlobeNewswire. March 16 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ Desk, AIT News (October 22, 2022). "Versaterm Public Safety Acquires FivePoint Solutions". AiThority. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  48. ^ Waitt, Tammy (November 29, 2023). "2023 'ASTORS' Honors Homeland Security & Public Safety (A - GL)". American Security Today. Retrieved April 22, 2024.

Category:Law enforcement in Canada Category:Companies based in Ottawa Category:1977 establishments in Ontario

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