Technology and Leadership for Safer Communities

Andrea Hartman, Chief Information Officer, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Andrea Hartman is the Chief Information Officer of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, leading technology strategy, innovation, and cyber security initiatives. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and directs projects that modernize infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen public safety.

Hartman oversees an IT division of over 100 technical professionals supporting more than 4,000 sworn and civilian staff across a community of 1.5 million residents. Her work includes advancements in real-time crime systems, AI solutions, and surveillance technologies, all implemented safely and ethically.

Known for her collaborative and servant-leadership approach, Hartman empowers her team and leverages technology to maximize impact for both the agency and the community it serves. Following is the conversation that we had with Hartman.

Five Strategic Goals That Guide Everything We Do

Every initiative we pursue must tie directly into one of the five longterm goals that shape our agency’s mission:

• Reducing crime: Technology is a critical tool in both preventing and investigating crime. Whether it is advanced data analytics, surveillance platforms, or real-time communication systems, the goal is always to reduce crime and make our community safer.

• Expanding crime prevention programs: We leverage tools that help officers engage proactively with the community, rather than reactively. Crime prevention means having the right intelligence at the right time, and technology enables us to expand programs that deter incidents before they happen.

• Enhancing community engagement: Trust is at the center of public safety. Every system we implement—from transparency dashboards to automated reporting tools—aims to strengthen engagement and communication with the community we serve.

• Strengthening detention programs and services: Our detention operations require technology that ensures safety, efficiency, and accountability. From inmate management systems to secure communication tools, we focus on innovations that create safer environments for staff and inmates alike.

• Recruiting and retaining highly qualified technical talent: Technology is only as effective as the people behind it. Investing in professional growth, creating career paths, and providing meaningful challenges are key to building and sustaining a talented workforce that can drive innovation.

These five goals form the framework against which we measure every project proposal, technology investment, and operational improvement.

Balancing Innovation with Daily Operations

When it comes to supporting a 24/7 mission-critical law enforcement environment, it means that innovation cannot come at the expense of daily operations. We cannot hit pause to modernize; instead, we must introduce new tools and systems in ways that minimize disruption.

My decision-making is guided by three primary pillars:

• Strategic opportunities: Initiatives must align with the agency’s mission and provide long-term value.

• Organizational opportunities: We look for projects that improve workflows, eliminate redundancies, and give time back to staff.

• Continuous improvement: Technology is never static. Every system must evolve to remain effective, secure, and relevant.

Our evaluation process is deliberate. First, we ask whether the initiative advances one of our five goals. Next, we consider efficiency: does it automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, or report generation? Will it reduce errors, save time, and ultimately save taxpayer dollars? Finally, we ensure it frees up sworn officers and staff to focus on their core mission—protecting and serving the community.

Real-World Applications of Technology

Over the past several years, we have invested heavily in countywide real-time crime advancements. These systems give officers actionable intelligence in the moment, improving both responsiveness and safety.

“We cannot hit pause to modernize; instead, we must introduce new tools and systems in ways that minimize disruption.”

We have also deployed numerous criminal and business applications that increase transparency, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen proactive crime prevention measures. Expanded surveillance capabilities allow us to monitor public spaces more effectively, while optimized reporting platforms improve both accuracy and speed in capturing critical data.

The results are tangible: less time spent on manual tasks, fewer errors in reporting, and more time for officers to focus on public safety. Each of these investments reflects our commitment to aligning technology with mission outcomes.

Defining Success as a Public Safety CIO

Success, for me, is not defined solely by budgets or operational metrics. In the context of public safety, success means that every technology advancement directly strengthens our ability to protect people, secure data, and empower first responders.

Cybersecurity plays a central role in this definition. Every system, from patrol tools to detention software, must be secure against threats. A successful outcome is one where our sworn staff can rely on their tools with confidence, knowing that both their safety and the integrity of the agency are protected.

In practice, this means success looks like:

• A patrol officer accessing real-time data in the field without interruption.

• A detention deputy relying on secure systems to manage daily operations.

• A community that sees improved transparency, trust, and outcomes through the responsible use of technology.

Emerging Technologies and Ethical AI

Emerging technologies are shaping the future of law enforcement in profound ways. Artificial intelligence, in particular, plays a massive role in advancing surveillance, detention management, and patrol operations.

We partner only with organizations that demonstrate strong AI ethics. For us, it is not just about what the technology can do, but how responsibly it is implemented. AI must support staff, not replace them. It must enhance efficiency without compromising privacy, ethics, or community trust.

When used smartly, AI is a powerful tool for predictive insights, workflow automation, and improved situational awareness. It is also a safeguard, helping us detect anomalies in data, identify potential risks sooner, and give our officers the edge they need to protect the community.

Leadership from Any Seat

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that anyone can lead from any seat. Leadership is not defined by title but by influence, communication, and integrity.

I view myself as both a servant and transformational leader. My role is to empower, enable, and motivate team members to achieve their full potential. I work to create a culture of shared purpose, promote transparency, and drive collaboration. Acknowledging contributions and providing constructive feedback are not just leadership techniques—they are the foundation of building trust.

I encourage my staff to step forward with ideas, challenge processes, and take ownership of outcomes. By giving them authority and accountability, I build resilient teams that innovate with confidence. The result is a workforce that not only delivers technology solutions but also shapes the future of public safety.

Building for the Future

As I look ahead, my focus is on ensuring the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office remains a trusted, effective, and forward-thinking agency. That means staying ahead of emerging threats, continually refining our cybersecurity strategies, and leveraging technology responsibly to improve both efficiency and community outcomes.

Our mission is to align technology with public safety, safeguard data and infrastructure, and empower our workforce. Through strategic leadership, ethical innovation, and a commitment to collaboration, I believe we are well-positioned to meet the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

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