A recent report stated that the size of the global law enforcement software market will grow to $18.13 billion by 2023.

This should not come as a surprise since criminals have been quick to adopt the latest technologies, which means police must as well. The pervasive influence of social media and Internet of Things-enabled devices demands mobile-based law enforcement software.

But law enforcement officers are still facing questions about regulations.

Cash-strapped agencies are lobbying for tools upgrades. Detractors worry that the police will misuse their powers, with the worry that use of these tools will result in unwanted intrusion into our lives. While elements of that concern may be true, we cannot bind our officials in tight red tape and have them perform with outdated resources.

Also, we cannot deny or ignore the fact that criminals have become sophisticated. They seem to have unlimited funds at their disposal and face no red tape when it comes to experimenting with new technologies.

Investigators stress the need to access encrypted devices and communications. Encrypted data keeps our information secure, but criminals are employing new ways to misuse them and reach new heights in crime, cyber or otherwise.

If you think about it, it is an era of opportunities for criminal investigators as well. Big data offers them more information on criminals and provides better ways to track them down them down.

However, getting digital evidence from service providers and obtaining the information on time is a challenge. Technology providers need to protect the security and privacy of the customers first.

They try to cooperate with the law on legitimate criminal inquiries, but their contractual obligations to the customer prevent full-scale cooperation. For this reason, they are often viewed as anti-law enforcement.

That is why improvement in technology and a deeper tech integration in their work are the needs of the hour. Enhanced cooperation between law enforcement and the technology community can help overcome these challenges in crime fighting. Both parties hope that by implementing the recommendations of a report from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), they can do so.

This CSIS report offers recommendations and practical steps for cooperation without compromising the security and privacy and law-abiding citizens. It also advocates for legislative measures that would establish stronger policy foundations to address these access challenges.

The good news is that some technology providers have already started working with law enforcement officers per these recommendations.

Both parties want to see a reduction in crime and protect citizens better. It’s a good start, since this will become a standard procedure as our lives go more digital than ever.