Case Study

Stop Data Collection System

We built an intuitive data capture and reporting technology that contained three primary data submission methods, including a Web Application (Ruby on Rails), Web Services (JSON) and Secure File Transfer. Fully scaled, the system will support over 500 Law Enforcement Agencies and millions of stop data entries. SDCS also featured high availability and resiliency and handles both structured and unstructured data through a NoSQL (Cassandra) backend.

Background

The California Assembly Bill 953 (AB 953) of 2015 required Law Enforcement Agencies across the State to collect and report perceived demographic data from each traffic and pedestrian stop. Without an existing tool in place to collect this “Stop Data”, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) needed a new technology to serve the approximately 80,000 peace officers in the field.

In July 2017, DOJ selected Dajani to help build, implement and deploy the Stop Data Collection System (SDCS). As a DOJ technology partner since 2014, we were eager to leverage our experience from past successes and apply them to this important initiative.

Approach

Our goal for SDCS was to deliver a high-quality minimum viable product that seamlessly integrated new frameworks into an established environment. This would require a technological paradigm shift on the part of DOJ.

The challenge for us was to help DOJ adopt technology change, not suffer the pains of technology disruption. Although we brought industry leading expertise to the table, technology know-how was not enough. A more holistic, empathy-driven approach was needed. Most importantly, we would need to cultivate a deep understanding and respect for DOJ’s needs and constraints at all levels.

From the start, we made education, training and support integral to our process, not an afterthought tacked on at the end. To bridge the knowledge and culture gap, we employed open and honest communication and side-by-side collaboration. As we progressed through each sprint cycle, DOJ’s confidence grew that we were building to their actual need. From prototype to a clearly defined minimum viable product, we implemented technology change cumulatively and with purpose.

Outcome

In the spirit of true partnership with DOJ, we delivered an SDCS solution on time, within budget, virtually bug free, and built to the exact requirements mandated by law. And in July 2018, SDCS began its first phase of rollouts to several of the State’s largest cities.

In recognition for our work, DOJ awarded our team a Certificate of Excellence.