Peregrine Technologies, founded and backed by former Palantir executives, is aiming to revolutionize local police department access to surveillance data while also preventing abuses of technology by law enforcement. The software developed by Peregrine has already proven its effectiveness in aiding the prosecution of a murder case by connecting various data sources to place suspects at the scene of the crime. The success of the software has garnered interest from law enforcement agencies across the United States, with 53 contracts already secured and revenue expected to triple to $30 million this year.
The founders of Peregrine, Nick Noone and Ben Rudolph, utilized their experience working with military and intelligence data to create a powerful tool for local police departments. By embedding with the San Pablo Police Department and collaborating with seasoned detectives, they were able to identify the needs of law enforcement agencies and develop a user-friendly app that aggregates and analyzes vast amounts of police data. This approach of working closely with law enforcement has helped Peregrine gain the trust of police chiefs and secure contracts with agencies in various cities.
Peregrine’s technology makes real-time crime centers more accessible to smaller police departments that may not have the resources to invest in expensive surveillance equipment and software. While the lower cost of RTCCs has enabled smaller agencies to deploy advanced surveillance technologies, it has also raised concerns among privacy advocates. Companies like Peregrine are being urged to prioritize privacy and civil liberties in their technology and data collection practices to prevent abuses and protect individuals’ rights.
To address privacy concerns and ensure responsible use of its technology, Peregrine brought on advisor Adam Klein, a former chairman of the United States Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Klein has provided guidance on designing privacy and civil liberties safeguards, such as access controls for sensitive data and monitoring for signs of abuse by law enforcement officers. Peregrine also includes a section in its contracts dedicated to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, emphasizing the importance of preserving individuals’ rights.
Despite the success and growth of Peregrine, co-founder Nick Noone is focused on using the technology to address the root causes of crime and disrupt cycles of criminal behavior. He envisions opening up the toolset to other local agencies to help them understand the societal factors that contribute to criminal activity. By enabling law enforcement and government agencies to analyze urban data and ask critical questions about community services and resources, Peregrine aims to empower cities to proactively address crime prevention and enhance public safety.
As Peregrine continues to expand its reach and impact in the law enforcement community, the company faces ongoing challenges in balancing the benefits of advanced surveillance technology with the need to protect individuals’ privacy and civil liberties. By working closely with advisors and experts in privacy and civil liberties, Peregrine is striving to set a new standard for responsible and ethical use of data in law enforcement operations. With a focus on innovation and social impact, Peregrine is poised to reshape the landscape of policing and public safety in communities across the country.
