Founded by former Palantir executives, Peregrine Technologies aims to revolutionize how local police departments access and utilize surveillance data while also preventing abuses of technology. The software developed by Peregrine has already proven successful in aiding the prosecution of criminal cases, leading to lengthy prison sentences for defendants. The company’s founders, Nick Noone and Ben Rudolph, spent time embedded with the San Pablo Police Department to understand their needs and develop a powerful tool that can quickly scan various police datasets for relevant information.
Peregrine’s approach of working closely with law enforcement agencies has garnered trust and praise from police chiefs, leading to 57 contracts with police and public safety agencies across the United States. The company’s revenue tripled in 2023, reaching $10 million, and is expected to triple again to $30 million this year. Backed by $60 million in funding from investors, including former colleagues from Palantir, Peregrine has been valued at $360 million and was named on Forbes’ Next Billion Dollar Startup list for 2024.
The rise of real-time surveillance technology has made high-tech surveillance hubs, known as Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs), more accessible to smaller police departments through Peregrine’s software. While larger agencies have embraced the technology, concerns about indiscriminate surveillance and privacy violations have been raised by privacy advocates. Peregrine has addressed these concerns by bringing on privacy experts and implementing strict protocols to protect civil liberties and ensure responsible data usage.
Adam Klein, former chairman of the United States Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, has advised Peregrine on privacy and civil liberties protections, helping the company design a robust framework around data collection. Peregrine’s software includes features such as a granular audit log, access controls for sensitive data, and restrictions on facial recognition technology to prevent misuse. The company also monitors police behavior and officers’ use of force to prevent abuses of power.
While Peregrine’s technology has been instrumental in aiding law enforcement efforts, Nick Noone envisions a broader impact beyond crime-fighting. He hopes that the toolset developed by Peregrine will enable government agencies to address underlying societal issues that lead to crime, such as poverty and lack of resources. By allowing local agencies to analyze urban data and understand the root causes of criminal activity, Peregrine aims to disrupt cycles of crime and contribute to community well-being.
