Learning and Law Enforcement: How Community-Based Teaching Facilitates Improved Information Systems

To keep pace with the dynamic environment of information systems, it´s necessary to prepare the next generation of the workforce for entry into this atmosphere. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence: VACCINE has partnered with the IN Gang Network, a component of the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center to facilitate the best preparation for students and assist with some information system issues in the law enforcement industry. Exposing students to real-world applications not only facilitates the problem-solving process with respect to information systems, it also makes the student aware of the prevalent system issues. By participating in community-based teaching with law enforcement officers, the students gain a better understanding of the end user which allows them to design better information systems. There is an initial learning curve associated with integrating in any community, having a close working relationship with INGang has lowered the barrier to entry, ultimately allowing for a better information system to be created.