DRPS Enhances Bail Compliance with GIS-Powered Dashboard
Tracking bail compliance used to be manual and time-consuming at Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). Officers relied on static spreadsheets, leading to delays, redundant checks, and inefficiencies. But with the GIS-powered Bail Compliance Dashboard, built on Esri’s mapping technology, DRPS has increased compliance checks by over 400%, improved data-sharing with Toronto Police Service, and enhanced officer safety in the field. How did GIS technology play a role? Discover how Esri Canada’s mapping solutions helped DRPS modernize compliance monitoring—ensuring offenders don’t slip through the cracks.
Challenge: Managing Bail Compliance with Outdated Tools
Before implementing the Bail Compliance Dashboard, DRPS relied on static Excel spreadsheets to track compliance checks. The system was inefficient and lacked real-time updates, forcing officers to manually sift through outdated records. Without a standardized process, compliance tracking was inconsistent, leading to missed or redundant checks and unnecessary delays.
Transitioning to a modern, centralized system came with its own hurdles. Migrating data while ensuring accuracy was a complex process, and officers needed time and training to adapt to the new workflow.
"Moving from spreadsheets to a dynamic system required careful planning, but the benefits quickly became clear—real-time tracking, streamlined operations, and improved officer safety," said Inspector Rob Williamson, DRPS.
With a well-planned rollout, DRPS overcame these hurdles, ensuring a smooth transition to a centralized, GIS-powered dashboard. The result? A system that modernized compliance tracking by replacing static spreadsheets with a dynamic, map-based dashboard, providing real-time visibility, improved efficiency, and enhanced officer safety.
Solution: A Centralized and Real-Time Dashboard
DRPS introduced the Bail Compliance Dashboard, a system powered by Esri’s GIS technology, providing real-time mapping and offender tracking capabilities. Integrated with Versaterm, the dashboard allows officers to visualize offender locations, track compliance checks, and streamline data access—all within a single, intuitive interface.
One of the most impactful features is the color-coded compliance tracker:
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Green indicates offenders checked within the last seven days.
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Red highlights those overdue for a check, allowing officers to prioritize their efforts.
"The dashboard ensures consistency and eliminates redundant checks. Before, officers could unknowingly check the same individual multiple times in a single day. Now, with the power of GIS, we have clarity and efficiency," said Inspector Rob Williamson.
Results: Improved Efficiency, Safety, and Data Sharing
Since adopting the dashboard, DRPS has significantly increased its efficiency:
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Bail compliance checks increased from around 1,200 per year to 5,600 in 2024.
With real-time tracking and a clear visual representation of compliance statuses, officers can quickly identify and prioritize offenders requiring checks. This eliminates guesswork, ensures resources are directed efficiently, and reduces unnecessary time spent on redundant or low-priority cases.
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The system’s integration with Toronto Police Service (TPS) allowed officers to identify 30 offenders living in Durham on Toronto charges.
By merging datasets, officers can detect cross-jurisdictional offenders who may otherwise go unnoticed, preventing potential compliance violations. This not only improves regional collaboration but also enhances officer preparedness, as frontline personnel now have full visibility into an offender’s status before engaging with them.
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Improved officer safety and streamlined workflows.
With access to up-to-date compliance records, officers can assess risks before conducting checks, reducing uncertainty in the field. Additionally, automated updates minimize administrative burden, allowing officers to spend more time on proactive policing rather than manually cross-referencing outdated records.
A key success story involved a Special Constable identifying an individual who provided false identification during a routine check. Using the dashboard’s search function, the Special Constable quickly matched the individual's physical features to a list of potential offenders, narrowing it down to eight possible matches—leading to a swift and accurate identification.
"This dashboard gave us immediate clarity. Without it, identifying that individual would have taken significantly longer, tying up resources and increasing risks," said Joe Kehoe, Special Constable, DRPS.
Total Bail Compliance Checks Per Year
Officer using the dashboard during a field check
Looking Ahead: Expanding Capabilities
The dashboard has evolved beyond just bail compliance. It now tracks ongoing investigations, wanted offenders, and court dates, ensuring all relevant case information remains accessible in one place.
Looking to the future, DRPS plans to integrate drone technology for compliance checks, addressing concerns over individuals using technology to mislead location tracking.
"We’re committed to staying ahead of evolving challenges. Technology like this dashboard is helping us enhance operational effectiveness and public safety," said Inspector Rob Williamson.
Officers discussing data during a field check
Key Takeaways & Advice for Other Agencies
DRPS’s experience highlights the importance of starting with a minimum viable product and iterating based on user feedback. Agile implementation and cross-agency data sharing have been critical to their success.
"If you're considering a similar solution, start small and refine as you go. Getting early feedback from frontline users is key to ensuring adoption and long-term success," advised Inspector Rob Williamson.
The Bail Compliance Dashboard has transformed DRPS’s approach to compliance monitoring, ensuring that every officer has accurate, real-time visual information at their fingertips—enhancing public safety, efficiency, and accountability.
Discover how GIS is transforming law enforcement. Visit our Public Safety solutions page to see how agencies are enhancing operations, improving decision-making, and strengthening community safety.