In this article
Explore the latest Flex updates. Discover new features like Smart911 integration, AI-powered name search, ProQA enhancements and more. Stay updated on Flex GIS, Apps, Records and IBR improvements. Learn about enhanced logging, UI updates and security features. Read the full blog for details.
- February, 2025 – Release 2025.1 ↓
- December, 2024 – Release 2024.4 ↓
- October, 2024 – Release 2024.3 ↓
February, 2025
Flex Platform | Flex CAD | Flex GIS | Flex Apps | Flex Records | Flex Jail | Flex IBR
Flex Platform
System logging turned on by default
As you may know, in order to start logging on to the Flex system, you have to set the syparams logmodes and logtables to specific criteria. The CJIS Security Policy requires that all activities on a system like Flex be logged. However, some agencies do not turn on full logging capabilities and do not realize it until it’s too late. That’s why we’ve hard coded the logging of all tables and all actions into the Flex System Log screen (sylog) beginning with 2025.1. To help SAAs not get confused, we have removed the logmodes and logtables syparams table.
No settings are required; this update happens automatically.
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Flex CAD
Smart911 integration
One of our main focuses is to integrate Flex with more portions of the Motorola Solutions ecosystem. That’s why we are excited to announce the newest update to that mix: the Flex integration with Rave Smart911! This provides telecommunications and first responders with access to additional citizen information to aid in emergency response – such as members of household, medical information, pets, etc. When a 9-1-1 call is entered in Flex CAD, the number is checked against Smart911. If a matching profile exists, an Urgent comment with a link to the information in the Rave portal is added to the call.
This integration requires a Rave Smart911 CPE server and the CAD Incident Screen with new call comments enabled for both CAD and Mobile. See the Flex release notes for more settings information.
Automatically search names in comments
In 2024.4, we announced the new ability to search names in CAD comments. In 2025.1, we’re taking this one step further by allowing AI logic to read those comments, recognize names, and automatically run the query without the user manually highlighting the name and running a query.
Using the same setting, you can now set “YesWithAutoSearch” in Module.CAD.Calltaking.RunNamesFromComments. Since this functionality should only run on dispatch stations, the system will also check for a valid cdttys entry containing the workstation ID/IP address of the CAD computer.
ProQA updates
ProQA has been busy making updates to their software. To that end, we’ve enhanced Flex CAD to work with the following description essentials: bicycle, fire boat, water craft, clothing, equipment/supplies, outdoor experience and lost person. When a dispatcher adds information for these items, that information comes over and is displayed in the call comments. Within ProQA’s Admin Utility, users can now specify how they want items displayed in the CAD call comments. To simplify this within Flex, we’ve now added a new “Display as set in ProQA Admin Utility” Key Questions format.
We strongly encourage agencies who use ProQA to set up how the Key Questions will appear in CAD within the ProQA Admin Utility in order to take full advantage of this new functionality.
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Flex GIS
“After” delay for Automatic Status updates
Last year, we released the Automatic Status Update feature. This year, we’re enhancing the feature to allow time for an interface to “see” a triggering status and time for personnel to see the status changes. With 2025.1, you’ll see an “After” field in the tb10code table for automatic status updates. A value in this field (in seconds) prevents a unit from switching immediately from one status to another, allowing time for interfaces or people to see the original status. This should help alleviate worries of anything being broken.
There are no settings for this feature; it will be included automatically. The default value for the new field is zero.
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Flex Apps
New Flex Scanner App
We’re excited to introduce our new Flex Scanner App, which combines the Jail Barcode Scanner and the Physical Evidence Barcode Scanner Android apps into one, improved app! By combining these two apps, we’re reducing development time for new features and making it easier on your IT department. This app includes the highly-requested feature of enabling the device camera for barcode scanning in both the Jail Scanner and the Evidence Scanner. Additionally, evidence locations are now sorted alphabetically and only display the agency’s locations.
You can download this new app, at no charge, from the Google Play store by searching “Flex Scanner” or clicking this link. We’ll be disabling the current Flex Jail Scanner and Flex Evidence Scanner apps on March 31, 2025, so please download the new Flex Scanner app today!
AVL Location of Touch Devices
Starting in March of 2025, via an update to the Touch app, you will be able to display the AVL location of your Touch devices on all of the Flex maps. This means that for the many Fire and EMS agencies who use Touch, their location can now be seen by dispatchers and other first responders. This integrates with AVL manager and can be displayed in CommandCentral Aware as well.
Starting in 2025.2, admins will be able to force the AVL on, on individual devices using system.client.touch.avldefaults, which will be available at the user, agency, group and world level. Device GPS must be enabled via the device OS. iOS and Android will still have system-generated reminders. There is no way for the Flex software to override that, unless your agency is using a form of mobile device management.
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Flex Records
New Flex Records UI Beta
Of course, one of the biggest things we have been working on in Flex Records is the new UI. Now, with the 2025.1 release, the Beta is finally here for all Flex users! Please note that this is not intended to be a full replacement for the Flex Desktop yet; new functionality will be added with every release. However, we invite any agency using 2025.1 to start using it!
One of the benefits of the new UI is its seamless connection with other cloud products, such as Multi-Agency Search (the new InSight-like product) and CommandCentral Evidence. Users can click on those icons and utilize that functionality without ever leaving Flex. Between its sleek design, tabular layout and new dashboard, there are many features within the new UI that will make our customers’ lives easier and more efficient.
Veteran and Citizenship Status Fields
In 2025.1, we also added Veteran Status and Citizenship Status fields on the names table in the new UI and Mobile Names screens. This is another highly-requested feature, especially for agencies near military bases or agencies that operate a jail. As you may know, there is already a “Citizenship” field in Flex, which is primarily used to show which country the person is a citizen of. This new “Citizenship Status” field allows users to indicate their status, such as US Citizen, Non-Resident, Green Card Holder, etc. These new fields can also be found on the Flex Jail inmate card as well.
Since this is a code table, each agency can use this field in a way that is best suited for their processes. The code tables tbvstat and tbcstat must be filled in by the agency.
Evidence Custody Update Alerts
We’ve had a number of agencies accidentally modify hundreds of evidence records without ever meaning to. That’s why we’ve introduced this simple new feature that will bring up a confirmation message any time there are changes made to evidence custody from a list. Users will have to click “Yes” or “No” in order to proceed, confirming that they understand that they are modifying multiple records at a time.
Although there are no settings needed to turn this on – it’s turned on by default – we are asking you, our Flex customers, for feedback: What is the acceptable number of record changes to prompt this message? Currently, this message appears any time there are two or more records being changed. Is that the right cadence? Let us know in the comments!
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Flex Jail
Public Inmate Search in CityProtect
Starting in Q2, agencies will have the ability to display inmates online to the public using CityProtect. This will hopefully cut down on calls to the jail, allowing citizens to see for themselves who is incarcerated, why they are incarcerated, and check their bonds. The information displayed on the webpage is 100% controlled by the agency in order to provide you with the control you need to make the webpage fit your community’s needs.
This update does require Hybrid Activation through cloud services. It’s also important to note that this is a paid service or included as part of the jail functionality in a Flex subscription.
Online Pre-Booking Form
Also starting in Q2, this update will allow third parties and other partners that our agencies work with, who are not on the Flex system, to create a pre-booking form. The third party officer will come to the webpage with a pre-booking form that they can fill out. The form will then be pushed to the jail where the jail personnel can review the booking and either accept or reject. If they accept, it will push into Flex Jail. If they reject the booking, it will be sent back to the arresting officer, giving them the opportunity to compile the needed information before they resubmit.
This update also requires Hybrid Activation through cloud services.
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Flex IBR
Tribal / Federal IBR
We have a number of tribal and federal customers who need to report directly to either the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the FBI. Starting in 2025.1, Flex now includes an agency type for Tribal and Federal. This will allow these customers to submit NIBRS directly to these organizations rather than to the State.
This requires standard IBR setup. Use the apagncy setting to select the Tribal or Federal agency type.
Lesser Inclusive / Mutual Exclusive
This update is one we have been working on for a while but, as of 2025.2, is now finished. This update will be available for most states in either 2025.1 or 2025.2, but there are a few states where it is available in earlier versions. When turned on, this feature gives officers and IBR clerks the ability to not include lesser inclusive or mutually exclusive crimes in a report. This makes it much easier to submit NIBRS without receiving errors. If it’s a true mutually exclusive crime, Flex will give the user a checkbox to determine which offense they would like to send. Lastly, this update also allows users to add a victim for society crimes.
To set up this feature, go to Adminutil and use the Module.IBR.AllowSelectedOffenseVictimNotSendToIB setting.
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December, 2024
Flex Platform | Flex CAD | Flex GIS | Flex Apps | Flex Records | Flex IBR
Flex Platform
View TOTP registration code
In 2024.3, we released TOTP as one of the authentication methods for Flex. In 2024.4, we’ve enhanced that experience, specifically for agencies and/or departments that do not allow cell phones in their facility. Now, rather than having to take a photo of a QR code with their authenticator app, users can view the TOTP registration code and manually enter in that code when registering a TOTP authenticator.
All you have to do is select the “View Key for Manual Entry” link under the QR code to view the code. Once you manually enter the code (which is all of the lines together), it will automatically register the TOTP application.
Failed login time window
In continuing our login updates to Flex, 2024.4 now includes a new feature for SAAs called Failed Login Time Window. This addresses a CJIS security policy requirement to ensure each user has a maximum number of failed login attempts and that, if those attempts occur within a certain time window, the user is locked out. Please remember that Flex cannot automatically unlock after a certain time period which means administrators will have to manually unlock the account per CJIS requirements.
Within syusradm, Flex SAAs will find the new Mins For Failed Login Lock field. This feature works in conjunction with the Max Failed Login Attempts field. If this new field is blank or “Off”, this feature will be turned off.
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Flex CAD
Search name in CAD comments
We’re excited to announce this newest enhancement in Flex CAD, which is the ability to run names from the comments section in CAD. As a telecommunicator is entering a CAD incident and including information about a person in the comments field, they can now highlight that name, right click and select “Run name” from the drop down menu. This will save time by having the system automatically run the query without the user having to rekey information.
This new feature can be turned on and off via the Module.CAD.CAlltaking.RunNamesFromComments setting.
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Flex GIS
ArcGIS server 11.3 support
Starting in 2024.4, we will begin supporting ArcGIS Server 11.3 for all GIS functions, such as mapping, address validation, routing, and zone assignment). This is one of the latest changes we’ve made to ensure we keep current with ESRI products, and we encourage all of our customers to do the same. This will enable some additional functionality with address validation. For example, it will show sub-unit range information as suggestions while the user is typing, allowing for quicker unit selections.
Please note that in order to use ArcGIS Server 11.3, you will need to first migrate to ArcGIS Pro if you haven’t already done so.
Eagle-view oblique imagery viewer
Another GIS update in 2024.4 is in regards to Pictometry. We have moved Pictometry over to the Eagle View Oblique Imagery Viewer. As a reminder, with the 2024.4 upgrade, the underlying architecture moves to .NET8. Unfortunately, Pictometry’s classic viewer is not supported on .NET8. This means that, if you use Pictometry, you will need to move to their new EagleView oblique imagery online viewer. This will become the new Mobile map starting in 2024.4. Since this is a browser-based viewer, it does not require that you have local images warehouse files loaded on the laptop.
Before you upgrade, you will need to reach out to EagleView and get some information from them so that you can use the viewer. There’s a client ID, a client secret, and a token URL that you will need to enter into the settings area before you can set it up. This will help mitigate any downtime for Eagle View imagery.
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Flex Apps
Touch: State returns & ANI/ALI
On Flex Touch, we’ve re-introduced the ability to view state returns and ANI/ALI data that’s been attached to a CAD call by a dispatcher. This will allow officers who are using Touch to see those state returns and ANI/ALI information, increasing officer awareness and improving data flow throughout the agency. The state returns and ANI/ALI information will be displayed in the same format as they come in, keeping with a fixed width font.
To enable this, you’ll use the same sypriv as you did back in the earlier version of Touch: touchstatereturn. Simply add this with view access to the user, group or agency that you want to enable. This is not something that requires a new web app as long as your agency is within the last three versions of Flex.
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Flex Records
Incident summary field
We’re excited to announce that we now have an Incident Summary field in law incidents within Flex. This appears in Mobile Law Incident and the Law Incident Screen for desktop. This can be used by agencies who want a one-two sentence summary that can be used to brief supervisors or be released to the media. Many agencies have found workarounds for this in the past, and we’re excited to bring officers a consistent, dedicated space for that summary.
This follows the same permissions as chkprnt, or you can use lwmsum sypriv. In Mobile Law, we’ve added a new setting in Admin Util where you can automatically add the Incident Summary at the beginning of every call, just like it does with Original Narrative. You can also turn that off so that users have to actually press the button to add the summary. You can find that setting at module.fr.AutoAddSummarytoIncident.
DL issue date
The other update we’ve made in Flex Records is we’ve added a “Drivers License Issued Date” field to the DL Info screen on Flex Mobile and desktop. Some states return a DL Issued date with state returns and there was never a place in Flex to store that data. This has been a particular pain point for our customers whose states require an Issued Date when issuing a citation. Now, patrol officers can easily utilize this new field in both the Mobile Names table as well as the DL info table on Flex desktop.
This field is optional and will be automatically activated for everyone.
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Flex IBR
Workflow to batch
Starting in 2024.4, agencies will have the ability to manage what comes into their batch validation for incident reports. This will enable reports to go through a workflow process and be reviewed by a supervisor before they go into batch validation.
To enable this, go to the Adminutil setting module.IBR.WorkflowsAllowedForBatchValidation and set the status that you want each incident report to reach before it shows up in batch validation. If an incident report does not reach the specified status, it will not show up in batch validation.
Multiple offenses
Lastly, 2024.4 brings customers the ability to add multiple of the same offenses on the same report without having to go in and change the offense code in order to get it to pass batch validation. When an officer adds in the first offense, they will have the ability to fill out all of the IBR data like normal. When they add the second one with the same offense code, it will appear like it’s a Group B. The officer will not have to fill out the information again because it does not apply. This is solely for reporting purposes and it will not get sent to the state.
This update has been backed into 2024.2, allowing a few key states to take advantage of this. There are no settings for this change; it is automatically included.
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October, 2024
Flex Platform | Flex CAD | Flex GIS | Flex Records
Flex Platform
New Login Screen With SSL Validation Check
The first and foremost update for 2024.3 is the one you’ll see when logging into Flex. Not only does the new login screen provide a more modern look, it also builds in the capability for an agency to utilize time-based, one-time password (TOTP). This brings Flex into alignment with CJIS requirements and prepares us for enabling agencies to use their own, existing IdM provider and other login methods in 2025!
The new login screen now requires users to pick their server first then enter in their username. Once users enter their username, they will be presented with a password prompt based upon IdM settings. If TOTP is enabled for that user’s agency, then they will be presented with a TOTP prompt once they enter in a valid password..
Additionally, Flex now performs an SSL Validation check whenever any user logs on. If the validation check is not successful, the user will be prevented from logging into Flex. This will help agencies ensure CJIS compliance and the overall security of their system.
The updated login screen will be applied across the board, for all Flex users once an agency upgrades to 2024.3. This new login screen is now the default login screen and is activated automatically. Users will have to select a server before connecting. For the SSL Validation Check, it’s important to note that this feature is not configurable and cannot be turned off. Your agency’s SAA can use the SSL CertCheckUtil to confirm validation and see where the problem is if the check is not successful.
Built-In TOTP
As mentioned, 2024.3 is the first release with built-in TOTP. This highly anticipated enhancement will allow agencies to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) via TOTP out of the box. To better help Flex customers comply with the new CJIS mandate for all CJI systems to have MFA capabilities, there is no cost associated with this feature; this will be available to any Flex agency that needs MFA but does not want to buy PassKeys.
TOTP integration will be available in Flex desktop, Flex Mobile, Touch, Jail Scanner, and Flex Admin Manager. Integration for the Evidence Scanner will be coming later this year. To enable, simply set Module.MFA.TOTP.Enabled to “True”. This can be set all the way down to the user level, allowing you to be as granular or wide as you need with this MFA functionality.
IdM Integration
Does your agency use a third-party IdM provider such as Microsoft Entra ID, Cisco Duo, Okta or others? We’re actively working on integration to third-party IdM providers so that your users can utilize the same username and password used in other agency applications with Flex. Keep an eye out for this in 2025!
Bomgar Remote Session Link
This update includes a new, direct link to flexsupport.motorolasolutions.com on the Flex desktop, Mobile and Jail screens’ help menu. This helpful link, which is available to all Flex users, will drastically reduce the amount of time customers have historically spent with the Flex Support team just trying to get to the Bomgar Remote Support portal. Now, users can get to the right website in one, quick click.
There are no settings that need to be changed; this link is automatically activated. Just look for the “Remote Support” link under the Help menu.
.Net 8
Microsoft will be ending support of .NET 6 in November 2024. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that Flex is now compatible with .NET 8. CertCheckerUtil has already been updated to check for .NET 8. We know that these changes are not fun for anyone, so we are currently making changes to the Launcher to automatically install .NET moving forward.
It’s important to note that .NET 8.0 must be installed on all Flex clients prior to upgrading to 2024.3+. It can be installed side -by-side with .NET 6.0, allowing your agency to prepare for .NET 8.0 while still enabling backwards compatibility with .NET 6.0 until upgrading.
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Flex CAD
Add Multiple Vehicles in CAD Calls
We’re excited to announce this newest enhancement in Flex CAD, which has been one of the most requested features on our Ideas Portal! Starting in 2024.3, dispatchers can associate multiple vehicles to a call. The plates associated with the call are listed under a new tab called “Persons & Vehicles” in the Incident screen. There are multiple ways to associate a vehicle to a call. Dispatchers can include a license plate in the call comments, or they can manually or automatically run a query. After selecting the result they want, dispatchers can select a button called “Add to Call” and then select which call they want to associate the vehicle to.
To enable the Persons & Vehicles tab in the Incident screen, make sure Module.CAD.CAlltaking.RunNamesFromComments is set to Yes. To enable the “Add to Call” button, make sure the Module.StateLink.RemoveAddToCall setting is set to False.
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Flex GIS
Mobile Map Enhancements
We’re excited to share a number of Mobile Map updates made in the 2024.3 release. These updates include changes to the sidebar, which can now expand or collapse by clicking on any of the icons or the close button. When the sidebar moves, the whole map and navigation shift so that it doesn’t cover any portion of the map. It’s important to note that the state of the sidebar is saved to the client.
We’ve also added the ability to show and hide both incident and unit labels and icons. This will allow Mobile users to hide some of the clutter when too many incidents or units are displayed on the map. These toggles are located in the Mobile Map settings.
Finally, we have improved the experience for Mobile users that want to select an incident or unit that is in close proximity with other icons on the map. Now, users can right click on the map to display a list of nearby incidents and units in an area of the map with multiple incident/unit icons overlapping.
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Flex Records
Demographics Screen Changes
Frequently, NCIC, IBR, and Stop Reporting codes for race, sex, gender, ethnicity and color are not always the same. In an effort to streamline the process for Flex users and minimize errors in reporting, we have made a few changes to the Demographics screen. First, we’ve created Demographic screen-specific code tables for race, sex, gender, ethnicity, and color. We’ve also added a few new fields for Perceived Color, Perceived Ethnicity, and Perceived Gender. Lastly, a number of fields in the Demographics screen were expanded to allow the full abbreviations or descriptions of state-mandated fields.
There are no extra settings for this enhancement; the changes will automatically take effect beginning in 2024.3. No existing data will be lost; existing code tables will be copied over to the new code tables and existing rcmain data will now automatically point to these new code tables. It will be up to your agency to modify the new tbrc* code tables to conform to your requirements.
File Capture Screen Changes
We have a lot of customers utilizing the integration between Flex and CommandCentral Evidence, with some asking for the ability to set default download behavior. To preserve file authenticity, this newest enhancement will allow system administrators to set whether their users are forced to open files directly in CommandCentral Evidence rather than downloading files onto their desktop. Since not every agency will have a preference one way or the other, we have also provided the ability for the end user to make the decision themselves.
For SAA’s to set the default behavior for their agency, go to the new setting Module.FileCapture.downloadBehavior. If your agency does not have a preference and wants to enable the users to make their own defaults, no settings need to be changed.
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For previous product updates not listed on this blog, click here.
