The Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety

• In Event: The Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS), a collaboration between Washington State University and Seattle University aimed at democratizing law enforcement data. This project modernizes data collection related to police-public interactions, collecting data on the use of force and police incident records and enhancing those records with comprehensive contextualization. As a public-private partnership, WADEPS is an adaptable, scalable, and open-source platform that serves as the integration hub, collaborating with law enforcement software vendors to automate data extraction, minimizing the need for manual data entry. The session will also explore the advanced analytics and data visualization capabilities of WADEPS, enabling communities to make informed decisions about public safety. By providing a secure and accessible platform, WADEPS empowers communities to proactively address public safety concerns, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable solutions based on evidence.

Authors

• David Alan Makin, Washington State University

• Matt Hickman, Seattle University

• Dale Willits, Washington State University