ForceMetrics Alternatives

Today’s law enforcement agencies rely on technology to maximize limited staff and resources. Central to this effort is a data management system that streamlines access, unifies information, and organizes key investigative data. Agencies exploring alternatives to Force Metrics often seek investigative platforms that:

• Prioritize real-time link analysis as a means of immediately understanding the larger context surrounding a suspect, including known associates and other pertinent information
• Leverage cross-jurisdictional data to solve crimes that transcend city or county borders
• Interface with a wide variety of data sources
• Integrate with LPR solutions, gunshot detection technology, and case management
• Inspire brand loyalty as a demonstrated leader in the marketplace for years (or even decades)

Note: CrimeTracer’s law enforcement data management system includes all the features just discussed. You can read about it in detail below or reach out to our sales team to learn more about how CrimeTracer can help your agency expedite investigations.

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ForceMetrics is a public-safety technology company that provides an AI-powered data analytics platform—primarily for law enforcement and first responders—aimed at delivering real-time, actionable context during emergency situations.

What are the Leading Force Metrics Alternatives?

Although ForceMetrics has become a central tool for many agencies, it may not address all operational needs or scenarios.

This article examines alternative options—highlighting CrimeTracer’s law enforcement data management system and the key features that make it a strong contender for agency adoption.

ForceMetrics Alternative # 1: CrimeTracer

CrimeTracer—previously known as COPLINK X—is a powerful investigative search engine that provides access to over one billion local and state law enforcement records, along with billions more from national sources such as N-DEx, LinX, Thomson Reuters CLEAR, and other public and proprietary databases.

Using advanced AI and natural language search, CrimeTracer delivers highly relevant results that help accelerate investigations. The platform also includes tools such as link charts to map relationships between individuals, vehicles, and other entities, as well as geographic mapping features that reveal crime trends in specific areas, supporting informed decision-making for investigators, command staff, and community stakeholders.

Key Feature # 1: Generate Leads and Gain Valuable Contextual Information with Real-Time Link Analysis

CrimeTracer is an advanced investigative platform that helps investigators uncover patterns and build meaningful connections between entities. With integrated AI, the platform accelerates searches and surfaces critical intelligence in real-time.

Investigators can then navigate a universe of over 1 billion records, using CrimeTracer’s visual analysis tools to examine relationships, track network changes over time, filter by entity, and apply social network analysis techniques.

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While traditional RMS systems provide a narrow view, CrimeTracer expands investigations by integrating non-traditional data sources that expose hidden links, like matching phone numbers to multiple addresses, revealing aliases through pawn activity, or connecting identities through shared locations.

For suspects in custody, CrimeTracer also enables investigators to identify known associates based on characteristics such as age, sex, race, or distinctive physical features, thereby enhancing situational awareness and investigative precision.

Key Feature # 2: Leverage Cross-Jurisdictional Data to Solve Crimes that Transcend Borders

Investigators routinely navigate vast volumes of data and depend on seamless information-sharing—both within their own departments and across agencies—to solve crimes. Without comprehensive access to relevant data, identifying and pursuing leads can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This challenge is amplified by the fact that crime doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries.

The value of cross-jurisdictional data is evident in cases such as one from the Cobb County Police Department.

“We’ve been able to identify suspects and develop leads we otherwise wouldn’t have—sometimes connecting cases across the country,” said Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer.

One example: In a 2019 homicide, officers quickly arrested one suspect, but the second suspect and getaway vehicle remained unidentified. Nearly a year later, during trial prep, investigators found a possible phone number linked to the driver. Using CrimeTracer, they discovered a report filed in Los Angeles—just five days after the homicide—by the second suspect about the same vehicle. That crucial connection led to the suspect’s arrest and eventual conviction. Without access to CrimeTracer’s national data, that link may have gone unnoticed.

Key Feature # 3: Interface with a Wide Variety of Data Sources, Simplifying the Task of Assembling an Investigative Puzzle

CrimeTracer consolidates over 1.3 billion records from a wide range of sources—including RMS, CAD, LPRs, ShotSpotter, JMS, court warrants, Thomson Reuters CLEAR, and more. It integrates data from both your agency and neighboring jurisdictions, giving investigators a broader, more connected view.

CrimeTracer also enhances investigative response when used alongside other SoundThinking tools like ShotSpotter and PlateRanger. For instance, if a ShotSpotter alert identifies gunfire, officers can respond immediately to the precise location. While securing the area, they can deploy PlateRanger to scan nearby license plates in real time, collecting crucial evidence.

Investigators can then use PlateRanger’s fixed cameras to track suspect vehicles and turn to CrimeTracer to connect license plates to individuals, identify associations, and generate leads across jurisdictions—supporting faster, smarter policing.

Key Feature # 4: Seamless Integration with a Wide Variety of Systems

Unlike many other platforms, CrimeTracer integrates seamlessly with a wide variety of systems—including license plate readers, gunshot detection, and case management tools—to support more efficient, connected investigations.

Take a shots fired incident, for example. Whether reported via 911 or automatically detected by ShotSpotter, officers are dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they may encounter a victim of aggravated assault. After securing the area, officers or investigators can use the PlateRanger Rekor Blue app to scan nearby license plates in real time.

Investigators can then query PlateRanger cameras in the area to identify vehicles that match witness descriptions or were captured leaving the scene. This data can be cross-referenced in CrimeTracer to find past alerts, criminal histories, or connections to known individuals—providing deeper context, revealing associations, and generating new leads.

Real-time intelligence becomes even more actionable when paired with CaseBuilder, a component of SoundThinking’s SafetySmart™ platform. CaseBuilder enables investigators to organize everything—from officer notes and scene details to CCTV footage and citizen tips—into a centralized, searchable case folder.

Thanks to its integration with CrimeTracer, users can run searches with a single click and get two powerful outcomes:

• Exact Match: Instantly view detailed profiles, including demographics and mugshots, and attach them directly to the case folder.
• Network Discovery: If there’s no exact match, CrimeTracer can reveal associates, shared addresses, or linked identities—uncovering new leads and providing valuable context that can also be added directly to the case.

Key Feature # 5: Demonstrated Track Record in the Industry

CrimeTracer has been in the investigative platform business for decades, and our extensive experience speaks for itself. View our CrimeTracer testimonial page here.

Conclusion

Amid budget constraints and staffing shortages, law enforcement agencies nationwide are facing growing pressure to combat rising crime rates. To stay effective, many are turning to technology to improve efficiency and impact.

Solutions like CrimeTracer—a powerful search engine and data platform—equip officers with essential tools to support informed decision-making, boost situational awareness, and enhance officer safety, ultimately driving stronger outcomes in the field.

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