University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department

CHALLENGE

Develop a comprehensive and user-friendly online platform that promotes transparency and provides access to data related to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the UWPD. Provide a centralized platform to access key information related to equity initiatives, community policing, and officer demographics.

SOLUTION
Creating an Equity Dashboard for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department (UWPD) involved a systematic and collaborative approach.

The first step was to define the objectives and scope of the Equity Dashboard project. This involved extensive discussions with key stakeholders at the UWPD to understand their specific needs, challenges, and desired outcomes. By clearly defining the goals, such as increasing transparency and promoting data-driven decision-making, the project team could align their efforts accordingly.

To develop an effective Equity Dashboard, it was crucial to collect and integrate relevant data from within the UWPD. The project team worked closely with the department to identify the necessary datasets, ensuring they were accurate and complied with privacy regulations. By  implementing data integration techniques, the team ensured the seamless aggregation of data into a centralized database that gets updated at the end of each quarter.

The success of the Equity Dashboard relied on creating a user-friendly and intuitive interface. The project team employed a user-centered design approach, involving iterative feedback loops with key stakeholders and user testing. By understanding the needs and preferences of the intended users, the team crafted a visually appealing and accessible design.

Data visualization played a vital role in presenting complex information in an easily digestible format. The project team leveraged interactive visualizations, such as charts and graphs, to provide meaningful insights into equity-related data. These visual representations allowed users to explore and analyze data trends, patterns, and disparities efficiently. User-friendly filtering and sorting functionalities were incorporated to enable users to customize their data exploration experience.

RESULTS
The Equity Dashboard successfully provides a transparent and data-driven platform for addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the UWPD.

The Equity Dashboard achieved the following outcomes and benefits:

• Increased Transparency: The public gained access to previously unavailable data, fostering transparency and trust in UWPD operations.
• Informed Decision-Making: Users could analyze trends, patterns, and disparities, enabling evidence-based decision-making to address equity issues.
• Accountability: The Equity Dashboard empowered the UWPD to proactively address equity concerns by identifying areas for improvement and monitoring progress.

The Equity Dashboard serves as a valuable tool for the UWPD to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and promote accountability in their efforts towards equity and inclusion.