The University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) is a rapidly expanding operation with a growing staff. Currently, CAPS has approximately 75 employees, including professional staff, faculty and students, and is supported by around 40 different research and development contracts. Its annual research expenditures exceed $6M.

CAPS has a rich history of technology development in the area of traffic safety. Dr. David Brown, a Senior Research Affiliate with CAPS and a Professor of Computer Science at The University of Alabama, developed an award-winning data analytics system called the Critical Analysis Reporting Environment (CARE) in the late 1980’s – this system has been upgraded several times and is now on Version 10. CARE has been implemented as a component of the enterprise traffic safety data system in 12 different states. CARE utilizes a number of different methodologies to provide descriptive statistics, information mining, geographical information system support and roadway safety engineering support. CARE is known for its ability to turn data into information and put that information directly in the hands of the decision-maker through an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. However, CARE also implements a number of sophisticated statistical techniques to make it a powerful tool for the data analyst as well.

CAPS also has developed and deployed law enforcement and traffic safety software in a number of areas related to CARE. While CARE provides data analytics, CAPS has also developed a suite of field data capture software that is used by law enforcement to issue traffic citations, crash reports and criminal incident reports, as well as to support a number of ancillary forms that are part of the business process for law enforcement. In addition, CARE has developed data query software for law enforcement to obtain information on drivers, vehicles and property to support police information needs at a roadside traffic stop. This software accesses both state and national databases through direct access to in-state data and NCIC/Nlets access to out of state data.

While the above work takes place in several states, CAPS believes strongly in being of service to its own State of Alabama. In this regard, CAPS is a close partner with state and local law enforcement in Alabama, and particularly the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs – Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Division, the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts and the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The CARE software and many of its roadway safety planning functions are also supported by the Alabama Department of Transportation. CAPS also supports the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division’s IT functions through software to manage vehicle registrations, titling and mandatory liability insurance enforcement. Further, CAPS supports software in the health and human services arena through its support the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Alabama Department of Public Health. A full list of our partner agencies appears here.

CAPS’ strength comes from the technical abilities of its highly motivated staff. Being within a Computer Science Department of a major university has some tremendous advantages. CAPS’ staff is an optimal combination of professorial oversight and student zeal. Computer Science faculty members perform research on cutting-edge approaches to solving the many data and information problems, while a number of full time professionals direct software design and development.

At the same time, CAPS has the edge in identifying outstanding graduate and undergraduate students to participate on these projects, many of whom decide to stay after graduation. Students greatly enrich their educational process by having exciting real-world projects integrated right into their coursework. This synergism enables CAPS to be part of the educational process while expanding the frontiers of knowledge to deal with the current needs of law enforcement, transportation safety and homeland security.

Since its inception, CAPS has enjoyed exponential growth almost doubling its budget each year. CAPS is a very active and exciting operation with some of the best computer software technical expertise that can be found anywhere.

As a university, CAPS has access to the latest cutting edge equipment, software and talent to provide the ultimate state-of-the-art solution. And because CAPS is non-profit, CAPS’ costs are less than typical commercial solutions. This web site will inform you about CAPS’ many and diverse software products, research and outreach activities. Contact CAPS to discuss how our products and services can meet your needs.