How Big Data Is Improving Health, Security, and Saving Money for Agencies

The emergence of big data has meant greater efficiency and reduced costs for businesses in a variety of industries as well as organizations with an array of interests. The mass integration of this technology has not been exclusive to the private sector. Taxpayers will be pleased to know that the government has not been oblivious to the rise in data analytics and its propensity for helping government agencies to make better use of the resources at their disposal. To date, government agencies have put data-based technologies[1] to use in a variety of functions, enhancing financial efficiency, security, and even matters of well-being as personal as health. Consider some of the ways government agencies have used big data to improve the quality of their work.

Data analytics have enhanced the government’s approach to security.[2] Cutting-edge commercial security solutions,[3] which commonly incorporate technologies such as intelligent video analytics, have given government agencies enhanced surveillance capabilities. For example, many analytics programs are now equipped to assess facial features in images or body language in video footage. This makes it easier for government entities concerned with security to prevent and respond to crimes. In 2013, in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, law enforcement officials used analytics software to process nearly 500,000 images. Facial recognition software programs, which relied on descriptions of the perpetrators given by witnesses, were valuable in the government’s search for the perpetrators. Additionally, the immediate nature of this surveillance-based analysis served as a valuable asset for law enforcement officials during their search.

Due to the great versatility of government interests and affairs,[4] purposes for government use of big data analytics are numerous. The government has a hand in everything from regulating consumer vehicles to maintaining the roads they are driven on.