Smart Maps, Safer Officials: How GIS Can Help Safeguard Public Servants in Moments of Crisis
A harsh reality struck in Minnesota recently when a man impersonating law enforcement talked his way into the homes of two state legislators and opened fire. One lawmaker and her husband were killed. Another survived alongside his wife, despite multiple gunshot wounds. When the suspect’s vehicle was later found, police uncovered a list of 45 public officials—potential targets of this would-be spree killer. Thanks to the intuitive actions of responding law enforcement officers, a larger tragedy was avoided.
What changed the course of this story wasn’t technology—it was instinct. It was an instinct that was developed over a long career in law enforcement. A police commander, relying solely on gut, made the call to check on other elected leaders. It made me wonder: what if that commander had more than intuition? What if they had a live, intelligent map in hand—a GIS platform capable of visualizing threats in real time, predicting movement, and helping prioritize who needed help first?
That’s not science fiction. That’s the future of public safety—and with the right partnerships, it’s already within reach.
Most public safety agencies are sitting on mountains of valuable data. Many also already use Geographic Information Systems (GIS). But too often, GIS is dismissed as “just a map.” For those in the field, though, it’s so much more. GIS is a real-time decision-support solution that brings clarity to chaos, helping teams act faster and smarter.
Imagine layering agency data, home or office locations, threat intelligence, and emergency resources into one map. Now, GIS becomes a tactical teammate. It can pinpoint where high-risk individuals live or work, model how far a suspect might travel in a given timeframe, and prioritize zones based on risk. It can offer precise routing, accounting for roadblocks, weather, or shifting threats. And it adapts in real time.
Here’s the game-changer: GIS can also send secure notifications to those in danger. If someone confirms they’re safe, responders can move on. If there’s no reply, that location rises to the top of the priority list.
The Minnesota case reminds us of what’s at stake when responders are left to rely on memory or fragmented data. With GIS, no guesswork is required. Officers can have up-to-the-minute situational awareness and a powerful tool to assist with the rapid development and execution of a coordinated plan.
Think about predicting the next likely target. Geofencing alerts. Managing evacuations or shelter-in-place orders with clarity. This isn’t a “someday” scenario. It’s possible now. Companies like Bent Ear Solutions are helping make it real, customizing GIS tools to work within the systems agencies already use. From local, state, and federal governments, critical infrastructure, and private sector enterprises, BES ensures organizations get the most out of their technology. Don’t buy new software, unlock the full potential of what you already have.
Whether it’s maintaining secure databases of elected officials, modeling threat zones in real time, or setting up geospatial alert systems, Bent Ear is helping redefine what modern emergency response looks like—agile, informed, and proactive.
One officer’s instincts and many others’ bravery and selfless dedication saved lives that day. But we shouldn’t have to rely on instinct alone. Public safety teams deserve more —they need clarity, speed, and the right tools. GIS, powered by partners like Bent Ear Solutions, can deliver just that.
If you’re a public safety leader, emergency manager, or government official responsible for protecting others, now is the time to act. Let’s explore how to turn the tools you already have into a smarter, more integrated public safety solution.
It’s not about adding more tech. It’s about building safer strategies—and a safer future.
About Mike King
Mike King is a seasoned criminal investigator and GIS specialist with more than four decades of experience in law enforcement and crime analysis. A retired police commander from Utah, Mike served as Chief of Staff to the Utah Attorney General and later led global efforts in fraud detection and emergency communications at Esri. He directed the Utah Criminal Tracking and Analysis Project and served as a founding board member of the Cold Case Foundation, where he contributed behavioral insights on unsolved serial crimes.
Over the course of his career, Mike has worked alongside law enforcement agencies around the world, championing the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in criminal investigations. He has helped build and support multi-agency task forces, fusion centers, and real-time crime centers that enhance public safety and investigative collaboration.
An accomplished author of seven books and host of the Profiling Evil podcast, Mike has been featured in numerous television documentaries and true crime programs, including appearances on the Discovery Channel, A&E, Court TV, and Australia’s Under Investigation.
