In public safety, innovation doesn’t always mean building something new—it often means solving an old problem in a smarter way.

That’s exactly what happened with the “Dále Model,” a satellite CAD/RMS deployment strategy I created to help smaller law enforcement agencies modernize operations while staying connected to the larger dispatch infrastructure they rely on.

Originally implemented in Miami-Dade County, the model has since gained traction nationwide. It’s reshaping how smaller agencies interface with systems like Motorola’s PremierOne CAD—without the high costs or complexity.

How It Started: A Collaborative Solution in Miami-Dade

Many municipalities in Miami-Dade don’t operate their own PSAPs. Miami-Dade 911 handles the calls and dispatches the units. But smaller agencies were left using outdated tools, duplicating data entry, and struggling to meet NIBRS/FIBRS compliance.

To solve that, we:

• Deployed Motorola Flex CAD/RMS in the smaller agencies
• Connected Flex to PremierOne via the ECAD2CAD interface

Now, when a 911 call is dispatched, it flows directly into the smaller agency’s Flex system. Reports are pre-populated with incident and unit data—eliminating double entry and manual workflows.

Where the “Dále” Nickname Came From

The nickname “Dále Model” wasn’t born in a boardroom. It came during the sales process at the first two agencies.

I was working closely with a few incredible SMEs who shared in the vision and energy behind the rollout. During one of our whiteboarding sessions, we jokingly called it the “Dále Model”—a nod to Miami’s vibrant Latino culture and the momentum we were building.

“Dále” (Spanish for “go ahead” or “let’s go”) became the rallying cry—and it stuck.

We even joked that Pitbull (Mr. 305) would be proud. This model moved with speed, swagger, and purpose.

And yes, we lived up to the name: the entire deployment (at both agencies) went live in under a year—from concept to production.

Why It Works

The Dále Model delivers powerful benefits:

• NCIC/FCIC queries, unit status, and incident details flow directly into the RMS
• NIBRS/FIBRS-compliant reports are built automatically
• Two-way ECAD2CAD integration means unit status, AVL, and MDT activity from the smaller agency feeds back into the larger agency’s PremierOne system

That last point is huge: officer safety depends on it.

When a unit clears a call, goes en route, or hits a panic button—dispatchers at the PSAP see it instantly. This isn’t just operational efficiency—it’s lifesaving interoperability.

Common Pitfalls: Don’t Lead with “This Is How We Do It”

A mistake I’ve seen agencies make: demanding one-off customizations from vendors based on legacy processes.

“We’re XYZ County—this is how we do business.”

But vendors like Motorola, Axon, and Hexagon serve hundreds of global clients. They’re not going to rewrite core code for one agency. They have to maintain product integrity for the benefit of all users.

That’s where change management comes in.

Sometimes the smartest thing an agency can do is look inward—adapt workflows to align with the system, not the other way around.

That said, vendors will make enhancements when there’s broader value. Knowing which hill to die on—and which to walk around—is what a good consultant brings to the table.

Think Strategically, Not Just Technically

The Dále Model didn’t just succeed because of good integration—it succeeded because of smart contracting.

• Tight, clear contract language ensures the vendor delivers what was promised
• Agencies that rely on vague scopes or boilerplate terms often find themselves with gaps in support or functionality
• A consultant with both technical and contractual knowledge ensures your agency gets what it paid for—and holds the vendor accountable

Negotiating Smarter: Leverage What You Already Buy

Agencies often overlook a key negotiation lever: hardware purchases.

Vendors make major margins on:

• Axon body cameras/tasers
• Motorola APX NEXT radios

If your agency is already planning to purchase these, use that leverage to negotiate deeper discounts on software—like CAD, RMS, analytics modules, or interfaces.

We’ve used this tactic to significantly reduce licensing and maintenance costs while still giving the vendor a win.

The Takeaway

The Dále Model proves that:

• Small doesn’t mean limited
• Interoperability doesn’t have to break the bank
• Change can be fast, efficient, and transformative—with the right leadership

What began in Miami-Dade is now being looked at by other major metro areas running PremierOne and supporting smaller, surrounding jurisdictions.

We built this model with heart, hustle, and humor—and it’s now a replicable framework for regional public safety transformation.

Let’s Talk

If you’re planning a CAD/RMS upgrade or regional integration effort, don’t just talk to vendors—talk to someone who’s done it.

👉 I’d be happy to share more on how this model might work in your region.

📩 Let’s connect- rich@castleberrypsc.com

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