Background
When Chief Gene Tanner stepped into his new leadership role at the Nicholls Police Department, he faced the challenges of both a leadership transition and becoming familiar with a software system he had never used before. Fortunately, Nicholls PD was already a SmartCOP agency, connected to surrounding jurisdictions through SmartCOP’s integrated CAD, RMS, Mobile, and eCitation solutions.
Smooth Transition with Reliable Support
Taking over as Chief required new administrative permissions, system access updates, and added responsibilities. Initially, these changes proved difficult to coordinate until SmartCOP Software Support Specialist, Jacob, stepped in.
“Within a day, everything was taken care of,” Chief Tanner explained. “He didn’t just fix the problem, he followed up, checked in, and made sure I was satisfied. That means a lot when you’re going through a big transition.”
Jacob remained in contact, even after hours and on weekends, to ensure the department received uninterrupted support. For Chief Tanner, that dedication stood out as rare and invaluable.
Easy-to-Use Technology for Every Officer
Nicholls PD transitioned to SmartCOP several years ago after using another records platform, and Chief Tanner himself came on board during that change. Despite not considering himself “tech-savvy,” he quickly learned the system.
“Once I got the hang of it, it was super simple,” he said. “If something is wrong, the system tells you what you need to fix. That helps a lot, especially for officers who might struggle with technology.”
This usability has minimized training headaches, reduced reporting errors, and allowed officers at all levels of technical comfort to work more efficiently.
Integrated Solutions Across the Region
Because Nicholls PD uses SmartCOP alongside its neighboring agencies, everyone has better visibility and coordination. Dispatch runs on SmartCOP CAD, which is fully integrated with the RMS and Mobile systems, ensuring officers in the field and administrators alike are working from the same information.
“Being able to see what surrounding agencies are working on in real time makes all the difference,” Chief Tanner said. “It keeps us connected and ready to respond where we’re needed.”
The department also uses SmartCOP’s eCitation tools, making it easy to issue, track, and pull up citations as part of broader case management.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Expansion
As Nicholls PD explores new technology, including body-worn and in-car cameras, Chief Tanner is already thinking about how SmartCOP can integrate with those systems. He noted that he will be in contact with Jacob and the SmartCOP team when they are ready to make that integration. He knows that SmartCOP works closely with its vendors to ensure smooth connections.
“That’s important for me,” Chief Tanner said. “I’m not very tech-savvy, so the fact that I can figure it out tells you it’s user-friendly. And when I need help, I know I can reach out and get it right away.”
Results
- Faster administrative transition: New leadership access configured within one day.
- Reliable customer support: Consistent follow-up and hands-on guidance from SmartCOP support.
- Ease of use: Officers with varying technical skills can use the system easily.
- Integrated operations: CAD, RMS, Mobile, and eCitation all working across county and city agencies.
- Future-ready: Potential for integrations with body-worn cameras and ALPR systems.
