Rhode Island: How Listening, Adapting, and Supporting Local Agencies Built a Better Public Safety System

Rhode Island’s statewide InfoShare^® initiative was designed to create a unified public safety environment across the state. Today, with more than 25 local police agencies operating on the platform, the project has grown into something more than a technology deployment. It has become a collaborative effort focused on improving daily operations for municipal departments, strengthening coordination across agencies, and ensuring officers have the tools they need to work efficiently and safely.

Listening First: A Collaborative Approach

From the start, CSI approached the project as a long-term partnership, not a one-time software rollout. As agencies came onto the system, new operational needs quickly surfaced, many of which went beyond the original scope defined at the state level. Rather than limiting support to contractual requirements, CSI worked directly with departments to address real workflow challenges and day-to-day inefficiencies as they emerged.

Rhode Island agencies were not looking for a one-size-fits-all system. They needed a platform that reflected how officers, detectives, records personnel, supervisors, and prosecutors actually work together in practice.

To get there, CSI spent time listening and working alongside departments to understand what mattered most, such as:

• Agency-specific workflows
• Approval and supervisory processes
• Investigative collaboration needs
• Reporting requirements
• Information sharing across units and neighboring agencies
• Existing RMS and CJIS requirements

Instead of asking agencies to adapt to rigid software, CSI adapted the system to fit how departments already operate. That hands-on, cooperative approach helped build trust early on and encouraged agencies to stay actively involved throughout implementation and as the system continued to evolve.

CSI took a collaborative approach, working with agencies to tailor the system to specific operational needs, including agency-specific workflows, supervisory approval processes, and reporting requirements. They continue to work with agencies on prosecution functionality, parking ticket integration, and other enhancements. Many of these improvements have been driven directly by agency feedback, demonstrating CSI's commitment to continuous development and supporting the evolving needs of public safety agencies.

Continuous Enhancements Driven by Agency Feedback

That partnership did not stop after implementation. As departments began using the system in daily operations, they quickly identified opportunities to streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and improve visibility across units. CSI worked directly with agencies to turn that feedback into real improvements, shaped by the experiences of officers, supervisors, detectives, records personnel, and command staff.

Rather than staying static, the platform has continued to adapt alongside agency needs. Enhancements have strengthened case management, reporting efficiency, supervisory visibility, interagency engagement, and overall workflow consistency. While the examples below highlight a few key improvements, they represent just a snapshot of the ongoing work being done in partnership with agencies across the state.

Enhancement #1 – Case Prosecution Tracking Management

One of the most impactful enhancements was the development of a case prosecution tracking capability. Municipal agencies needed better visibility into what happens after an initial report is completed, particularly as cases move through the prosecution process.

In response, CSI introduced functionality that allows departments to track case progression beyond the initial report. This provides stronger continuity between patrol, detectives, records personnel, and prosecutors, while giving agencies clearer insight into case status, outcomes, and next steps. For agencies with significant court and prosecution responsibilities, these improvements have had a direct impact on efficiency.

As a former Police Patrol Officer, Prosecution Officer, and Lieutenant, CSI has been instrumental in the enhancement of the system. Required court forms are easily generated and the 'little annoyances' associated with former platforms have been improved upon as a direct result of their advocacy and efforts. Their improvements have significantly reduced the time and inputs required on behalf of the court officers.

Enhancement #2 – Parking Ticket Management Module

CSI is also developing a parking ticket management module to support agencies looking for a more efficient way to manage citation workflows. While the module is still in development, it reflects feedback from agencies and a broader effort to bring more administrative processes into a centralized system. Once implemented, departments will be able to streamline tracking, reduce manual work, and create a more consistent and manageable process across teams. The module reflects CSI’s continued investment in addressing agency requests and expanding the platform’s capabilities beyond traditional functionality.

Enhancement #3 – Enhanced Report Approval Workflows

Another key improvement focused on simplifying report review. CSI introduced enhanced workflows that allow supervisors to review and approve multiple reports tied to the same case at once.

What was once a repetitive, time-consuming process is now more streamlined, reducing administrative burden and helping reports move through the system more efficiently. This allows agencies to keep cases progressing without unnecessary delays.

Beyond Go-Live: A Commitment to Service and Continuous Improvement

The collaboration that shaped Rhode Island's statewide implementation did not end at go-live. As agencies integrated InfoShare^® into daily operations, new opportunities emerged to streamline workflows, improve visibility, and address evolving operational needs. CSI has remained actively engaged throughout that process, working alongside agencies to gather feedback, resolve challenges, and turn ideas into meaningful system enhancements.

Many of the improvements implemented across the statewide platform, from prosecution tracking functionality and enhanced approval workflows to the development of parking ticket management capabilities, originated from direct user feedback. By maintaining an ongoing dialogue with agencies, CSI has helped ensure that the system continues to evolve in ways that support real-world law enforcement operations rather than forcing agencies to adapt to static technology.

The Rhode Island Law Enforcement Statewide Project required coordination among agencies with varying needs and priorities. CSI has done a commendable job balancing those requirements while remaining responsive to individual agency requests. Their willingness to listen, adapt, and provide ongoing support after go-live has made them a valued partner in our transition and continued use of the InfoShare^® platform.

That responsiveness extends beyond system enhancements. CSI's support teams remain closely involved with agencies after implementation, providing assistance, answering questions, and helping departments navigate new requirements as they arise.

The CSI Team is always seeking input to further improve and advance the capabilities of their system to make enhancements for the end user. CSI provides outstanding 24-hour support. They listen to your needs and take on whatever endeavor is required to provide the best possible product for their client.

The Rhode Island statewide project demonstrates that successful public safety technology is about more than software. It requires a partner that listens, responds, and remains invested in the success of its customers long after implementation is complete. Through ongoing communication, responsive support, and a commitment to continuous improvement, CSI has helped build an InfoShare^® environment that not only connects agencies across the state but continues to evolve alongside them. By continuing to listen, adapt, and respond to agency needs long after implementation, CSI has built more than a statewide public safety platform. CSI has built lasting relationships with the agencies that rely on it every day.