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Second-Tier CAD Software Companies
The following companies are classified as the second tier of companies marketing CAD software. This does not reflect on their reliability or the quality of their products--they have many satisfied customers all around the country. Many of these companies offer software that links directly to CAD and extends its capabilities, including mobile data, message switch (NCIC, etc.), in-field reporting, and records management. [Feel free to e-mail us with your opinions on our ranking!]
- 10-8 Systems - formerly PSM Corp.; operates under Windows on IBM gear; claims 500 customers; headquartered in Florida
- Access Data "Sleuth" CAD - claims 350 agency sites in 19 states; also mobile data
- Admit Computer Systems, Inc. - integrates with records management, mobile data, mapping, AVL
- ADSi - Application Data Systems, Inc. - fully integrated public safety solutions, including mobile data dispatch & field reporting. Same owner since 1981. Now has 100 customer agencies in 17 states.
- Alert Tracking Systems, Inc. - Designer of an innovative suite of mission critical public safety software solutions (CAD, Law/Fire/EMS RMS, Mobile) that promotes data interoperability and shared resources between multiple public safety agencies.
- Alpine Software Corp. - CAD software integrates with fire incident reporting and other modules.
- Archonix Systems - COPS CAD software. Purchased D.M. Data Corp. in Sept. 2003
- AVeL-Tech - purchased by Ortivus in 2003, now known as Ortivus North America; international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 9-1-1 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
- Baker Integrated Technologies - software and other integrated dispatch systems. Also see their center design page
- BIS Computer Solutions - founded 1972, based in California
- Bullberry Systems - map-based CAD software using ESRI foundation.
- Cardinal Tracking Inc. - privately-owned; claims 400 clients; 45 employees; headquartered in Texas
- Centurion Solutions Inc. - CAD, records management, mobile data
- Cody Computer Services - founded in 1979, headquartered in Penn., markets CAD, records management and other modules
- Combix Corp. -markets ENRoute CFS that combines industry-leading hardware, software and network connectivity to support the totality of communications and command/control requirements of today's public and private dispatch centers.
- Competitive Edge Software Inc. - the Enterprise Dispatch program will provide you with detail-oriented tools to help you track the calls incoming to the dispatch center, precise information regarding these calls, availability of officers, what calls officers are on and what they are doing, a running history of calls, and a slew of other important information. [user manual, pdf] [Contact Keith Michel for a demo]
- Complete Information Systems Company (CISCO) [screen shots]
- Computer Information Systems Inc. - Founded in 1985, using IBM hardware.
- Corona Solutions - You can access your existing CAD data via a secure and encrypted web portal any time, day or night and can query, map and visualize this data in a multitude of ways. Includes trend analysis and automated alerting and reporting capabilities. Product tours, downloads and remote demonstrations available.
- Cp Systems
- Creative Microsystems Inc. - An Ohio-based company focused on government software, including The Safety Suite the features CAD, records management, mobile data, mapping and more.
- CrimeStar
- Crisys - screen shot - Founded in 19990, offices in Washingon and Toronto. Offers map-based applications: CAD, records management and mobile data for law enforcement, fire-rescue, EMS. Has 120 customer agencies serving 200 municipalities up to 750,000. Platform independent solutions running under Windows and Linux. Annual users group conference.
- CRISNet - by MEEG Associates Inc. in Salt Lake City; NetCAD V1.0 introduced in Sept. 2001; claims 100 customers for previous CAD versions
- Cross Current Corp. - Pennsylvania company based in Bucks County, has been building, supporting, and deploying public safety software for 13 years. Among their many public safety products is a 911 CAD dispatch system, ccCAD, which operates throughout the United States and Canada. ccCAD is completely integrated with their mapping, mobile data and browser-based RMS product line.
- CSI Technology Group - Infoshare is a Web-based CAD and records management, and mugshot system.
- Cyrun - Formed in 1992 and based in California; also offers records management, in-field reporting and various interfaces
- DaPro Systems Inc. - founded 1984, 80 law enforcement agency customers, CAD and other modules
- Data911
- DataMaxx - Cadence 2020 software, also mobile data applications; headquartered in Florida
- DataTech911 - markets software that extends functions of CAD software, including real-time analysis, specialized alerting, and bio-alerting.
- Deccan Intl. - Markets five different graphic map-based applications that use CAD data to analyze current response time performance, consolidation strategy, optimising field performance, station and apparatus location /relocation analysis, automated run card builder and move-up recommendations in real time. Their Web site includes an on-line video demo.
- Digitech Computer Inc. - medical dispatching and billing software, founded in 1984 and based in New York.
- DCS Inc. - DCS offers CAD, AVL/Mapping, RMS, JMS applications as well as Silent Dispatch, Field Reporting, Photos in the Car, and On-Line Citizen Reporting. Our NCIC2000 product includes, which is a true client-server product, includes the 400 + formats and is certified in 25 states.
- DM Data - founded in 1982 and headquartered in New Jersey. Purchased by Archonix in Sept. 2003
- DynaCorp
- EDS - Electronic Data Systems now uses just their initials; markets the Artemis-brand CAD software
- End2End Public Safety Systems - 700 installs at campuses, municipals, hospitals, high schools, airports and even the DOD’s submarine-building facility
- EmergenSys Solutions - Canada-based company with CAD and other apps
- EmergiTech, Inc.
- EmergiTech, Inc. develops and markets public safety software applications. The company's product enables users to collect, report, and analyze intelligence and investigational data; track complaints, criminal charges, citations, and traffic crash reports; track inmate and administrative activities; and collect digital photos. Products include computer aided dispatching, records management for law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, jail management and mobile data. EmergiTech was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
- EMS Consultants, Ltd. - markets EastTrack Dispatch software; EMS-related CAD, billing, collections, run tracking
- Enforcer Technology, Inc. - Markets ASP-based suite of applications, including CAD and NCIC interface. [White Paper on buying public safety software - pdf]
- Enforsys Systems Inc. - CAD, RMS, information sharing and mobile reporting for law enforcement agencies. Based in Whippany (NJ), products are used by more than 100 law enforcement agencies and organizations across the Northeast in department sizes from 4 to 1,400 officers.
- ET Software - C.O.P.S. software; headquarted in Iowa
- FDM Software - Canada-based company founded in 1989. Markets integrated CAD and NFIRS 5.0-compliant records management software.
- GeoConex Corp. - Has developed a comprehensive "Next Generation 911" Ready CAD system, and are in the process of bringing all of the software products into the “Next Generation 911” world. Products include NG911 CAD, GIS Viewer, GIS Editor, Mobile Map Maker, Emergency Notification System, Incident Plotting, AVL/VMS, RMS, JMS, Address Markers, and a Comprehensive Maintenance Program.
- Global Software - offers CAD and related modules
- Hitech Systems - CAD since 1985 as part of SafetyNet suite of public safety applications.
- ID Networks - ID Networks has been serving the law enforcement industry for over 20 years. They have 8 product lines, and over 750 customers in 13 states.
- IDS Applications - Has 14 agency customers, most in the St. Louis (Mo.) metro area.
- Indico - CAD with integrated mapping, mobile data, interfaces, browser-based RMS; headquartered in Texas
- Information Management Corp. - both calls-for-service (small agencies) and CAD software (larger agencies)
- Information Technologies Inc. - headquartered in St. Louis, currenlyt has over 500 agency clients, specializes in CAD, RMS, mobile data, jail and court software, has many interfaces available, including E911, state (NCIC), and NIBRS
- Institute of Police Technology & Management - non-profit group for law enforcement, offers Call Trak CAD software with free demo
- Integrated Computers Systems - founded in 1974, based in Texas
- IPC Informationa Systems LLC - Command systems for public safety and government. Purchased Orbacom in Dec. 2004.
- Keystone Information Systems, Inc. - separate CAD programs for police and fire-EMS, mobile data, interfaces, RMS; can run on PCs or Mac
- Larimore Associates, Inc. - serving public safety since 1970
- Lucent - a division of the giant telecommunications company; software was sold to Publisafe in 2001 [see below]
- MaSys Corp. - CAD, records under Windows or Stratus computers
- M3i Systems - CAD and mobile data
- M&M Micro Systems Inc. -- Tennessee-based company that offers CAD, calls for service, mobile data and records management software
- Medical Dispatch LLC - Dispatching and logistics software for the ambulance, EMS and medical transportation industry.
- Mobile Access Software Inc. (MASI) - integrates with records management, mobile data, mapping
- Mobiletec International Inc. - CAD, records management, in-field and switching software.
- Moducomm - integrated radio/911/CAD application (818) 764-1333
- Ortivus North America - international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 911 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
- PEC Solutions - a "total systems provider" that markets to many industries and fields
- Pamet Systems, Inc. - incorporated in 1987, markets primarily in 14 eastern states; customers migrating from DEC VMS-based systems to Windows NT
- Plant Equipment, Inc. - also offers "Advanced Call Processing, Conventional Telephone Solutions, Mapping / GIS / CAD / RMS, Information Management Systems and Digital Logging Recording solutions."
- PTS Solutions - founded in 1988, based in Louisiana
- Publisafe - In Sept. 2001, as Distributed Software Development Inc. (DSD), they purchased the CAD software they had developed, and which was being marketed by Lucent Public Safety Systems. They then took the name Publisafe and debuted a new Web site in May 2002.
- Q.E.D. - Queues Enforth Deveopment; CAD, records, mapping, mobile data
- RAD Software - Since 1993 has been providing e911Pro call-taking and radio dispatch software.
- SmartCop - CAD, records and other modules
- Smart Public Safety Software - SMART's CAD system gives you dependable dispatching, comprehensive records management and the ability to generate reports as needed. Everyone can quickly master our programs. No need for specialized computer technicians on staff.
- Solution 2000 - CAD, E911, courts, jail and more. Founded in 1993, has 49 clients in 7 states.
- Southern Software - Formed in 1988, introduced CAD in 2001, has customers in southeastern states.
- Sundance Systems Inc. - Creators of COMS public safety software. Integrated CAD, RMS, mobile, mapping and jail.
- Sun Ridge Systems. - marketed as RIMS software; founded in 1982 by Tony Richards, with Version 1.0 installed in the Rocklin, (Calif.) Police Department inFebruary 1985. Now at V11.0
- Symposium Technologies Inc. - Toronto-based, markets Horizon Event Management Environment software. [White paper on software, screen shots]
- Swift Justice - A 15 year-old company headquartered in Montana offering CAD, records and other modules.
- Sweet Computer Services, Inc. - purchased by Ortivus in 2000, now known as Ortivus North America; international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 9-1-1 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
- Tel Control Inc. (TCI) - CAD and mapping, by company with E911 product focus
- Terrier Technologies - markets Clerk2 software that includes CAD features, based in Texas
- TracNet - providing CAD and records systems to California law enforcement agencies since 1988.
- U.S.A. Software - markets CadFile 2000; founded in 1989, claims 150 customers in Florida and Georgia
- The Sysman Group - headquartered in South Africa
- Versaterm Inc. - CAD for law enforcement and fire-EMS operations
- Valor Systems, Inc.
- Viking Technology Inc. - also records management, in-field reporting, digital imaging, purchased by PEC Solutions, Inc. in Aug. 2000
- xwave - Canadian and US company, Windows and Oracle 10g based tri-service and multi-Agency CAD with more that 35 installs including most RCMP dispatch centres. Best suited for State, County and medium to large city communications centers.
- ZOLL Data Systems - offers a full suite of software for fire and EMS agencies, including RescueNet Dispatch.
CAD Training Gear
- Sanders Audio-Visual markets CAD training software that simulates--in every detail--the operation of a CAD program, but which allows easy set-up and use to train entry-level dispatchers.
- Professional Pride markets EZ CAD simulation software for training entry-level dispatchers.
CAD Mapping
- 911 Mapping Systems - the mapping software is used in Tiburon's CAD program, and by Intrado's Mapped ALI application.
- Geographic Technologies Group - GIS and mapping solutions, including AVL and E911 interfaces with Phase II
- Corona Solutions - Everything needed to provide maps from your CAD data is included in CADmine. No need to purchase or train anyone on the use of a separate desktop mapping application. Full search and query capabilities to map incidents according to user parameters, with the click of a button. Product tours, downloads and remote demonstrations available.
- Digital Data Technologies, Inc. (DDTI®) -- Specializes in the creation and dissemination of Geographical Information Systems data that aids public safety agencies in the location of wireline and wireless 911 calls. Through the evolution of AccuGlobe®, DDTI's proprietary software platform used by tens of thousands of users in over 170 countries worldwide, DDTI offers a portfolio of extension for use by various public service agencies including Sheriffs' offices, 911 Dispatch Centers, Boards of Election, Auditors/Assessors and more. Products include 9-1-1 dispatch software, Automatic Vehicle Locator, Data Maintenance and web hosting.
- The aeronautical company FlyteComm markets the product Surface Logistics that provides a map view of a jurisdiction, along with the location of resources and events.
- Bradshaw Consulting Services Inc. offers software that integrates with CAD systems and uses powerful GIS tools to map, manage and deploy public safety resources to consistently meet response time requirements while reducing costs.
Biosurveillance Software
- FirstWatch - Seamlessly integrates with existing public safety data systems (CAD, ProQA, RMS, ePCR, etc.) to provide real-time Early Event Detection, Bio-Surveillance and Situational Awareness tool as well as the ability to monitor and trend Key Performance Indicators in real-time. In addition to providing local customized analysis, FirstWatch clients can join existing regional Public Safety Alert Networks (PSAN) and securely share information across geo-political boundaries as an early warning tool and a real-time situational awareness resource. Frequently funded with Local, State and Federal Grant funds, FirstWatch is affordable and fast to deploy.
Other CAD Resources Web Site
- Microsoft listing of software companies using Windows-based CAD software
- considerations for creating a map-based CAD program for Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
- article on creating Computer-Aided Dispatch and ArcView-based CAD for Clark County (Wash.)
- article discussing the design of CAD screens, use of colors, etc.
- article discussing the key elements you should consider when purchasing a CAD system
- IACP guidelines for CAD purchase
- Sample checklist for CAD and other public safety software
- Case study on one agency's attempt to implement CAD [Acrobat, pdf format]
- CAD implementation case study and slide show
- Slide presentation on acquiring new technology
- Introduction to police technology - radio, computers, networks, etc.
- Institute for Law & Justice - good listing of companies, but no Web links; has other categories
- Web Show911 - list of CAD companies and phone numbers, but no Web links; has other categories
- Mobile Radio Technology - the magazine's product guide with Web links to CAD companies
- The Firehouse.com Web site -- a list of public safety Web sites that posts live and near-live CAD information. Also see our mobile data information page.
- CAD in support of community-oriented policing - good slide show
- See our collection of CAD Requests for Proposals
- Deccan International markets software to help establish CAD response lists, districts and other tables.
- The EMS-related site has a list of CAD vendors [some links are bad]
- The Printrak site has information on CAD integration with other systems.
- This Publisafe Web page lists and explains the major CAD functions.
- List of CAD incident codes from an actual agency
- Symposium Technologies Inc. markets an "event management" system that displays tons of information on a huge screen, and they also have a downloadable White Paper on their product.
- Consultants Doug Garber & Associates performed a Jan. 2003 law enforcement survey that asked questions about the agencies' CAD software.
- This software search site includes a "Police/Fire/EMS" category, with several company listings.
- The U.S. Department of Justice's COPS program has published a 129-page report on "Call Management and Community Policing: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement," which explains call intake strategies (walkup, telephone, Internet, etc.), considerations and implementation. The information has several CAD and call-handling implications. [Acrobat, pdf format]
- The Houston Police Officer's Union has posted a "Security Group" document that lists all the Northrop-Grumman Altaris CAD codes used by the city's new (Oct. 2003) Houston Emergency Center, as well as who can access the commands, what they do, and how they compare to the commands in the previous CAD software. [Acrobat, pdf]
- Terrier Technologies has posted several screen shots of its CAD software
- Washington State Patrol Investment Plan to replace its CAD system. (pdf)
- NLETC "Guide to Applying Information Technology in Law Enforcement" (pdf)
- Progress report on Tallahassee's 2001 CAD project; good example of issues and solutions (pdf)
- Veraterm CAD promo 2-pager [pdf]
- A 2003 Master's candidate thesis by Kenneth Morgan, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (pdf)
- Convergence Communications offers E-sponder special event coordination software
- Article on 1994 CAD implementation by Boston (Mass. ) Police Department (fee)
- An Open Source, Web-based CAD is available as a free, download at the Project's Web site.
Data Interchange
There is an on-going project to create data interchange standards for law enforcement applications, including CAD software. In mid-August 2005 the federal Advisory Committee on Law Enforcement IT Standards began work on a draft standard for CAD software. The committee is a partnership between the Integrated Justice Information Systems (IJIS) Institute and the Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC), the latter a consortium of law enforcement associations. The final document will be a set of technical standards for data exchange, using the Global Justice XML Data Model as its basis. The final standards could be ready by spring or summer 2006.
- Draft standard (pdf)
- Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement CAD Systems, developed by the Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC)
- Global Justice Data Model - system for standardizing law enforcement data, of which CAD data is a part
RFPs & Purchase Documents
We have a collection of Requests for Proposals (RFP) that were issued by cities, counties and states for CAD systems.
Common Elements of CAD Software
CAD software can be a relatively simple program to keep a record of the incidents handled by a public safety agency, or it can be a complex set of programs and external connections to fully support everything that a public safety comm center does. The complexity of the CAD program is usually dictated by the size of the public safety agency and the number of dispatchers working to support it. Like many things in life, it's easy to be attracted to a Chevy Suburban CAD program when all you need is a Toyota Echo. Matching your needs to the software's capabilities is sometimes half the project.
Simple CAD programs are often called "calls for service" programs, because they combine the features of a live, on-line, in-use CAD program with the more off-line features of a records management system. There are several of these programs available from the above vendors, and even on-line. [demo download available].
In the early days, CAD systems consisted of mainframe or mini-computers located in a computer room, linked to so-called "dumb" terminals in the comm center showing text-based information. Today's systems use a client-server configuration, with data residing on a central computer, physically as small as a PC, linked to workstations that consist of mid-powered PCs. The arrangement allows central storage and retrieval of data, and redundancy in case one workstation stops working. Today's terminals are 17 or 19-inch color models, and the software makes use of color, graphics and symbols to convey information.
We've created a graphic animation of the many different types of information that a typical CAD screen displays. Also check this screen shot of how several windows of information are displayed on one screen, as well as this one.
We've also posted this graphic provided by Motorola that demonstrates that CAD is just one seemingly small piece of a very large criminal justice computer system that reaches all the way to NCIC and other types of agencies.
 Take an interactive tour of the Lawrence County (Kan.) public safety comm center, showing how they manage five computer screens, including CAD.
Nevertheless, CAD programs have essential elements or components that support the dispatcher's work:
- Entry of incident information - essentially this is a database of the incident data, including the address, caller info, details and other information gathered by the dispatcher. The software alerts the dispatcher if a new incident might be related to an incident already entered, based on the proximity of the two incidents. [StreetGuard master file, StreetGuard detail screen, vehicle screen] [HTE incident screen]
- E911 interface - If your agency has an E911 system, the phone number and address information can be displayed and automatically transferred to the appropriate fields of the CAD system incident entry form, and trigger the display of linked information (previous incidents, medical conditions of occupants, hazardous materials stored there, etc.). [sample address page]
- Display of incident information - once entered, CAD displays a list of the pending, current and past incidents at the command of the dispatcher, usually sorted on-screen by date, time, location, type of incident or other criteria. [Geac incident detail] [RightCAD screen] [history of one incident]
- Special features - Some CAD software is focused on EMS or fire operations, and have standing order [screen shot] or jump crew capabilities.
- Incident dispatch - allows the dispatcher to link, or assign, an incident to one or more field units. Most CAD software also recommends which units should respond, according to a built-in database of the units' geographic assignments (beats, districts, precincts, etc.), the type of incident (high danger, low danger), and type of unit (patrol, supervisor, canine, etc.).
- Unit tracking - another database, this tracks field units, their assigned personnel and what incidents they handled and when. The software can display any combination of units by their status or location. Some programs use a command line to change unit status, while other can perform drag-and-drop status changes. [Geac status screen] [Versaterm status screen]
- Timestamping - whenever the dispatcher takes an action (enter a new incident, dispatch a unit, unit arrives on-scene, etc.), the computer records that time and links it to the incident and unit records for later review
- Address verification - most CAD programs have some method of standardizing address entries, usually from a list of the jurisdiction's streets and block ranges--a geofile. This feature helps ensure the address is filed correctly by the computer, and makes it easier to retrieve address-based information. The geofile also contains commonplace names, landmarks and other points of interest that can be used by the dispatcher to enter an incident location when a traditional house number--street name isn't available. [step-by-step explanation] By the way, NENA recommends that public safety agencies use the U.S. Postal Service abbreviations for CAD geofiles. You can find an Acrobat (pdf) version of the list on the USPS Web site.
- Information files - there can be many other databases of information available to the dispatcher, including previous incidents, address alerts [#2], free-form text information, telephone numbers, personnel lists, emergency medical dispatch procedures, fire pre-plans, HAZMAT info, suspect hazards, etc.
- Report generation - to help analyze incident and unit activity, CAD allows production of reports listing all types of information, by ranges of date and time, and sorted by various fields.
- External links - the CAD computer and software can be linked to other useful computer systems, including the agency's E911 system (to automatically fill in the caller's name, address and telephone number), local-county-state-federal law enforcement databases (warrants, vehicle registration, driver's license, stolen vehicle and property, etc.), master clock synchronization, radio systems (to show last unit that broadcast, or unit that pressed "emergency" button), mobile data, records management, paging, etc. The CAD software can be arranged to automatically route license plates entered from vehicle stops to the law enforcement databases, and to allow manual entry of other inquiries.
- Mapping - shows the location of E911 calls, incidents based on the entered location, or units based on data from an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system [another view] [driving instructions screen] [screen shot] [another screen shot] [map & other info screen shot]
- Maintenance - the software must allow access to various support files, user authorizations, security and set-up files
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