In the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement, transparency and accountability are paramount. Departments continue to adapt to improve practices and build trust in their communities with fair policing. With the introduction of demographic data collection for arrests, PACKTRACK gives you another tool to boost your effectiveness and potentially defend yourself or your department against charges of bias.

As with all PACKTRACK features, it’s fast and easy to enter this data using our convenient mobile apps for iPhone and Android or the mypacktrack.com website. By doing so, you’ll unlock helpful data-driven insights that can inform decision-making and community engagement.

Demographic Data Collection

Demographic data is now mandatory for all new deployments with arrests. The 3 required fields are Race/Ethnicity, Sex and Age. Patrol deployments continue to include fields for People Found, Unintentional Bites and whether the Subject Was Bitten.

Each deployment report appropriately displays the provided demographic arrest data.

Demographic Insights

With this new data, the Deployment Summary report is expanded to include 2 sets of demographic charts. The first summarizes arrests and the second breaks down the demographic data for arrests with bites. This information helps to answer questions such as whether certain racial or ethnic groups are overrepresented in arrests or if there might be a gender or age bias in specific types of offenses. The reporting system allows you to isolate the demographic data for any segment you want: detection, patrol, specific handlers, requesting agency, location, odor type, etc.

This feature update includes a variety of related report improvements. For example, we’ve revised the supervised handlers statistics summary for the Deployment Log and Deployment Summary reports to include more data.

Thank you for all of your feedback which helps us extend and improve the PACKTRACK service. As we refine and expand this feature and others, we remain committed to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Have comments on this update or anything else about PACKTRACK? Let us know.

We’re always improving the PACKTRACK interface. Sometimes it’s challenging. How do you make K9 record keeping as simple as possible while adding new features and extending functionality? With our latest release we’re making a few fundamental changes to the layout of the Records page. The goal is to minimize clutter and make things approachable for new K9 handlers while retaining the best parts of the interface to keep it familiar.

Updated layout

There are some subtle and not so subtle changes to the PACKTRACK Records page design. The search bar above the calendar is replaced by a new Filter button above the record list. The Report button is now beside the Add Record button above the calendar. We also grouped the various record alerts into a single TO DO button at the top of the page.

Simplified searching

To improve usability, especially on your phone, we moved the search form into a dedicated filter dialog. This is also the new home for your saved searches. The form layout is simplified with dropdowns instead of long lists. Less commonly used filters move to the Advanced Filters section.

The Records page now shows the applied filters using rectangular chips above the records list. This makes it extra clear exactly how your records have been filtered. It also makes it easy to remove filters by clicking the X in the chip. Press the Save button to give your current search a name if you want to use it again in the future.

Cleaner mobile design

All of the above changes are available on your phone too. In addition to the simplified layout, the calendar is now bigger and easier to interact with when you want to select a specific date. The Filter and TO DO buttons are relocated to the title bar at the top. To Create a report, tap the Plus button and select New Report.

Finally, we invested time in revising the dark mode colors to improve contrast and make the layout more consistent on desktop and on your phone. There are lots of other small visual tweaks as well. As with all changes of this type, some things are going to be easier to use while others may take an additional step. Our hope is that the overall experience makes sense and offers subtle, yet helpful improvements for most people. As always, if you have feedback on any of our updates then please let us know.

We release PACKTRACK “maintenance” updates quite regularly. This typically includes a collection of bug fixes and smaller refinements aimed at making your experience just a little bit easier. Many of these changes are guided by your feedback. We don’t usually share the details because there are often dozens of small changes. You probably have better things to do with your time than read a long list of release notes.  🙂

Our latest maintenance update is a little different. It includes the usual mix of bug fixes, interface tweaks and general refinements but we’ve also included a few larger enhancements. These changes are a direct result of your comments and feedback and we thought we’d share some of the details.

Training group shortcut

In a previous update we released a new Groups page to give you full control over your management and training groups. But what if you’re in the middle of creating a training event and want to modify a training group? Perhaps your “Templeton Training Group” now regularly includes handler Mark and you don’t want to have to add him manually to the event each time. With this update you can easily add or remove members from your event and save the change to your training group for next time. With this shortcut, there’s no need to make these changes from the Groups page. You can even create a brand new training group based on your currently selected event members.

Weather forecast and reload

Have you ever wondered what the weather will be like at your next training event? PACKTRACK now displays the latest weather forecast for the time and location of your training event right on the event page. This includes weather conditions, temperature and wind speed. We’ve also added a convenient reload option for any auto-filled weather data that’s added to your training completion or deployment records.

Notification enhancements

Thank you for all of your feedback on how we can improve the notification system. We’ve made a number of improvements that we think will be helpful. Have you felt overwhelmed with too many notifications? PACKTRACK now only shows one notification at a time. While there’s always been a Dismiss All button at the top of the notification side panel we’ve also added one right on the notification itself. For convenience, clicking on a notification’s content will automatically dismiss it. We’ve also changed several of the notifications so that the user who initiates a change doesn’t get notified. You don’t need to know that there’s a new upcoming training event if you’re the one who just added it. Finally, we’ve made a number of text and styling updates to make the system easier to use. For example, it’s more obvious when a notification has been dismissed in the notifications side panel.

All of the above new functionality is available in your browser and in the PACKTRACK mobile app. We hope these enhancements are helpful! There are dozens of other refinements and bug fixes in this update as well. Many of those were also changed because you shared your thoughts. Got a comment on how PACKTRACK works? We’d love to hear from you.

We’ve been incrementally upgrading PACKTRACK with a more modern look for a while now. One of the last few remaining areas is group management functionality. In this release we not only updated the design, we also took the opportunity to improve how training and management groups work.

The Groups Page

A K9 handler joins a management group so that trainers and supervisors can oversee their records. Handlers can also join training groups. A training group is a collection of handlers that commonly train together. The Groups page provides a convenient, unified place for configuring management and training groups.

We’ve made an important change to make it easier to work with people you know. Once you’re connected to another handler, either because you have the same manager or because you share a training group, you no longer need to send them invites when they’re added to new training groups. When you add them they will automatically become members. This new design assumes there’s a degree of trust between handlers that are already connected in some way.

This is the new Groups page for managing your connections. Let’s review each of the numbered sections.

1. Managers

The top of the page starts with a Managers section. In PACKTRACK, managers include supervisors and trainers that give oversight to a group of handlers. Trainers can create events and exercises for handlers and add training notes to individual training records. Supervisors have the option to approve or reject exercise and deployment records and administer certain handler account options (such as billing).

The Managers table shows each trainer and supervisor who has access to your account. Outstanding invites are also shown. Click a row to see additional details about the managed group. Use the + Manager button to invite new trainers and supervisors to oversee your records.

2. Training Groups

PACKTRACK uses named Training Groups to identify sets of handlers who often train together. A table on the Groups page lists the training groups that you’ve joined as well as any outstanding invitations. Click a row to see additional training group details or to update the group settings. Use the + Training Group button to create a new group or, if you know the code, to request access to a group.

Creating and editing training groups is easy. Click on a training group to open the editor. Use the Add Members dropdown to select any of your existing connected handlers or use the “INVITE A NEW GROUP MEMBER” option to invite a handler using their email address. When they accept the invite they’ll join your group and appear in your list of connected handlers. Note that you can only edit a training group if you’re configured as a group leader.

3. Connected Handlers

At the bottom of the Groups page you’ll see a list of the handlers with which you’re connected. This is similar to a “friends” list. The names are selected based on the groups you’ve joined in the Managers and Training Groups tables. You’re automatically connected to handlers who share the same supervisor, trainer or training group. Click the VIEW link to see the full list of your handler connections.

Trainers

Trainers invite handlers to be managed using the Manage page. When a trainer manages a handler they’re able to see all of the handler’s training groups. Trainers can also create named training groups for handlers. The trainer’s list of connected handlers includes the members of each training group for which the trainer has access.

Mobile

The Groups page works similarly in the PACKTRACK mobile app. The interface is a little different but all of the same functionality is available.

This was a big update! We hope it makes group management in PACKTRACK just a little bit easier. Have comments or suggestions about this or any other feature in PACKTRACK? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

PACKTRACK has always provided notifications about the status of your K9 training and deployment records. These alerts are shown in the bottom of the interface when something important happens. They’re displayed whether you’re on the main website or using the mobile app. We also send these messages by email. This keeps you in the loop about what’s happening even when you’re not using the system.

In this release we’ve extended this feature to include more notification types and to provide new configuration options so you can decide which notifications are sent to your email. These are the new notifications types:

1. Upcoming event. Get notified when future training events are created so you know your schedule. This includes events with either mandatory or opt-in attendance.
2. Exercise ready to complete. This notification is sent when an exercise is added to an event that you recently attended. The message suggests that you now complete the exercise and describe how your dog performed.
3. Exercise completion past due. If you haven’t yet completed an exercise that took place over 7 days ago then this notification will remind you that it needs to be done.
4. Exercise ready for comments. Trainers now have the option to be notified when a handler completes an exercise. This reminds the trainer to add comments and feedback to the training.

The user profile page now gives you the option of configuring which notification types will also send you an email. If you’re receiving too many email messages or finding that they’re not helpful then you can disable them.

We hope these improvements help you to stay up to date with what’s happening in your PACKTRACK account without being overloaded with emails. Let us know what you think.

We’re constantly updating PACKTRACK with new features, refinements and bug fixes. Much of this development is driven by your feedback. One comment we hear fairly often is that the interface can be too bright when viewed in a car laptop at night. Our latest release is aimed at fixing this situation by providing a light and dark mode view for your records.

Of course you can use this new dark mode anytime you want. Many people prefer looking at a dark screen in daily use as it can help reduce eye strain. You may also just like how it looks. Whatever your reasons, PACKTRACK makes it easy to customize your experience with the system.

The screenshot below shows the light and dark mode themes side by side.

All of the functionality remains exactly the same no matter which mode you prefer. It’s also available across all roles: handler, trainer and supervisor. Dark mode works great on phones too. It can even improve battery life (a little).

Using dark mode is completely optional but if you’d like to try it out then open your PACKTRACK Profile and edit the Details. Here you’ll see a toggle for switching between both themes. Change the theme setting, hit Save and see what you think.

If you’re using PACKTRACK on a computer then there’s a convenient shortcut for switching between light and dark modes right on the title bar.

Your selected view mode is saved with your account and will be remembered when you next login. Note that this feature doesn’t yet work in older PACKTRACK pages such as Groups and Custom Entries, though these pages will be updated soon. Also, report previews continue to show with a white background.

We hope this update makes your PACKTRACK experience just a little easier and provides some needed relief for tired eyes. Have comments on this change or any other area? We’d love to hear from you!

Trainers and supervisors provide important oversight in K9 record keeping. With our latest update these roles gain full access to the system through our mobile app. Read on for an overview of how the PACKTRACK phone app enables trainers and supervisors to manage the K9 record keeping process on the go. Handlers, trainers and supervisors can download the Android and iOS mobile apps anytime from the app stores.

Trainers

Trainers use PACKTRACK to create training groups as well as schedule events and exercises for handlers. They also provide data entry supervision and ensure that everyone completes their records in a timely manner. Just as important, trainers provide critical feedback on training. This includes personalized analysis of how the team performed in each exercise as well as comments on how the exercise was recorded.

The Records view allows trainers to add new training events. It also conveniently shows all past and future scheduled training in one place. The interface works the same as it does for handlers. Simply tap on the calendar to see any training for that date. Tap the plus button in the upper right to add new training.

Use the Manage view to see a list of the handlers that you’re training. From here you can invite new handlers, monitor record completion and view the Profile and Dogs page of each handler. Tap on any of the statistics (ex: 3 Late Records) to show more detail.

Regardless of whether they created the initial exercise, trainers can add comments when handlers complete an exercise. These notes become permanent additions to the handler’s training record.

Supervisors

Supervisors ensure managed handlers train and deploy effectively for the department. This role has additional supervisory options including paying for handler subscriptions and the ability to see detailed historical data entry activities. Supervisors have access to all training and deployment records created by each managed handler. They also have the ability to review and reject completed records. Lastly, supervisors can view active deployment tracking for any handler on a live map.

Supervisors use the Records view to get an overview of K9 training and deployment activity across the department. From here they can open records, create reports and approve or reject records. Convenient filters make it easy to focus on specific types of records or just those from a particular handler.

The Manage view provides access to handler details such as their record edit history and configuration options for their billing, profile and dogs. Convenient statistics link directly to the relevant training or deployment records with just a tap. Invite new handlers to be managed using the plus button in the upper right.

Open handler records by tapping on them in the Records view. From here K9 supervisors can review the training and deployment logs to ensure they meet requirements. Rejecting a record notifies the associated handler and includes the reason that the record requires updates.

Real time location tracking is available to all handlers. Supervisors can view any active deployment by tapping on the map icon in the deployment row of the Records Page. They can also view all active deployments on the same map.

Role Switching

Do you have multiple roles? Perhaps you’re a trainer who’s also a handler. Or maybe you use all 3 roles. It’s easy to switch between roles using the main menu in the upper left of your phone.

With this release we’ve also made switching roles more convenient. PACKTRACK now remembers which role you last used on each device. For example, if you prefer to add exercises as a trainer on your desktop but use your phone to complete the exercises as a handler then each device will allow you to use these different roles at the same time. It will also remember your role preference when you next login.

We hope these changes make your work just a little bit easier and more convenient. Remember: trainer and supervisor accounts are completely free. If you’re new to PACKTRACK then you can sign up for an account HERE. If you’d like to add one of these roles to your current account then just let us know and we’ll set you up. Otherwise, if you’re already a trainer or supervisor, grab the app and try logging in!

Today we’re introducing a new feature to give you more insight into how your records change over time. This release includes a new History page with a table showing each record modification and when it occurred.

You can open this page using the new History link in the left menu on desktop or in the mobile app. All of your record changes are shown in a table from newest to oldest in chronological order.

Use this page to get an overview of your activity in PACKTRACK and track when your records were added, modified or deleted. The table also includes a link to the changed record so you can conveniently open it in one click.

The same functionality is also available in the PACKTRACK mobile app for Android and iOS.

Supervisors can view the modification history of all supervised handlers using the new History link in the context menus of the Manage page.

Record integrity is core to PACKTRACK’s mission and we hope you find this feature helpful. Got a comment or feedback for us? Login to the PACKTRACK service and start a support chat or use the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page.

A record keeping system should make it easy to put data in and reward you with the ability to pull out great reports. Our latest update includes a more integrated reporting system that adds several new features. This new design brings all of the existing reporting functionality into one place. It also supports generating (and even printing!) reports right from your phone. In addition, you can create more advanced reports. For example, you can now create an exercise log report which only includes your tracking training exercises. Or generate a statistical summary report which only contains deployments from a specific requesting agency.

If you’re already familiar with reporting in PACKTRACK then some of this will be review.

What is a report?

A report takes information that you’ve entered into PACKTRACK and displays it in a readable format that’s easy to print or save as a PDF file. It might show a single record, such as a training exercise or deployment, or it could combine many records together in a long list or summarized view.

Where do I create reports?

The first thing you’ll notice is that all reports are now created in one place: the Records page. The old Reports page is no longer used. Click the context menu for one of the rows on your Records page to view a report for just that record. Click the new Create Report button to generate a report which combines multiple records together.

When you click the Create Report button you’ll see this dialog where you can configure your report. You’ll use this interface when you need to combine multiple records into one cohesive report.

What types of reports are available?

There are 2 main report categories: Full Record reports and Summary reports. A full record report includes all of the details about the included records including any attached images. The screenshot below shows part of a full record exercise report.

A summary report combines information from multiple records. For example, it might simply list the records or provide summary statistical information. The screenshot below shows the first part of a training summary report which collects information together from multiple records.

Feel free to read more about the different types of reports that you can create.

How do I set which records to use in the report?

PACKTRACK now allows you to specify exactly which records should be included in a report. The reporting dialog supports 2 modes of operation: Standard Reports and Custom Reports.

Standard reports use all of your records. In addition, the dialog allows you to specify the report type and a date range. This functionality work just like it always has.

There may be times, however, when you want to use only a subset of your records in a report. For example, you might want a log report which lists all of your obedience exercises. Or, perhaps you need a report with statistics on every deployment where there was an arrest. In this case you’ll need to create a custom report, which requires that you run a search on the Records page first. This feature is new and gives you more control of your reports. Learn more about custom reports.

Can I run reports from my phone?

As of this release, reports also work great on the PACKTRACK mobile app. While it can be difficult to see reports on a small phone screen you can still save them or even print directly from your phone (if it supports this feature).

How do I run really large reports?

Some reports take a long time to generate. This is most common when trying to print the entire training history of a dog using the Exercise report type (which includes all record data). When reports are expected to take a long time to generate PACKTRACK will disable the View option in the reports dialog. In this case, you should click the Download button instead.

You will be notified when the report is ready by email and with a notification in the website or mobile app. You can then click the included link to download the report.

I have more questions

Feel free to review our knowledge base for more information. Here are some additional links to reporting help topics.

• What types of reports can I create? (includes samples)
• How do I create a report for just one record?
• How do I create a report that includes multiple records?
• How do I create a customized report that includes only the records I specify?
• How do I create a report for court with my dog’s entire exercise history?