U.S. public safety networks: Architectural patterns and performance

Issue title: Key Factors and Processes for Digital Government Success

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sawyer, Steve^{a; *} | Schrier, Robert^b | Fedorowicz, Jane^c | Dias, Martin^d | Williams, Christine^e | Tyworth, Mike^f

Affiliations: [a] School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA | [b] Polaris Library Systems, Liverpool, NY, USA | [c] Departments of Accountancy and Information and Process Management, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA | [d] Supply Chain and Information Management Group, D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA | [e] Global Studies Department, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA | [f] Smeal College of Business, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA | Business School, Fundacion Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Puebla, Mexico | Information Systems Department, Faculty of Business Administration, Université Laval, Quebec, PQ, Canada | College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, South Wing, College Park, MD, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Steve Sawyer, School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, Hinds Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-4100, USA. Tel.: +1 315 443 617; Fax: +1 315 443 5806; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Through this paper we advance insights regarding common patterns among information and communication technology (ICT) architectures (ICTA) found in United States' public safety networks (PSNs). A PSN is an inter-organizational collaboration enabled by ICT to support information sharing and interoperability needs of police and associated public safety organizations. Substantial evidence makes clear the information systems designed and used by PSNs are typically expensive and complex, support multiple public agencies from different organs of government and span different political and geographic boundaries. Better understanding of PSN ICTA patterns could lead to improved designs and possibly improved performance of these (and perhaps other forms of) multi-agency technology-enabled collaborations. Empirical data from 61 operational PSNs provides the basis for this work. These data were analyzed using fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), an approach ideally suited for detailed analyses across smaller data sets that allows us to assess inter-dependence among variables. Results show that (1) functionally similar configuration patterns of ICTA exist among PSNs and (2) several common architectural patterns are associated with higher levels of PSN performance, but these include a large number of unique successful arrangements.

Keywords: Inter-organizational systems, cross-agency collaboration, information and communication technology, architecture, public safety, fuzzy-set analysis

DOI: 10.3233/IP-130305

Journal: Information Polity, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 139-156, 2013