Panasonic Solutions Co. will supply the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) with Toughbook 31 and Toughbook CF-19 rugged mobile computers for more than 2,600 patrol vehicles and 100 motor units.
The units will be outfitted with the in-vehicle computing solutions to serve as mobile command centers for field deputies. The deployment is expected to be completed by mid-2013.
The laptops will be added as part of the LASD's fleetwide mobile-computing upgrade managed by Raytheon that will result in the outfitting of cruisers and motorcycles with mobile computers providing commercial wireless access, allowing deputies to more quickly access information, write reports, send e-mail, access the intranet, and receive automated routing of calls via GPS.
"The Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers met our requirements because of the computer's specifications, proven quality, durability and reliability," said Sheriff's Capt. Scott Edson in a statement. "This extensive deployment is representative of our commitment to investing in the future of the department as we continuously look for ways to provide our deputies with the best communications tools to enhance our knowledge in the field and better serve the public."
The project represents the largest deployment of mobile digital computers to a sheriff's department in the country. Raytheon Co. is the lead contractor responsible for managing the project and integrating the units and systems, while Panasonic is responsible for providing Toughbook 31 and Toughbook CF-19 mobile computers and wireless access technologies. The wireless system provides access to the AT&T 4G network through Qualcomm Gobi Mobile.
"We're honored that our Toughbook mobile computers have been chosen by such a large and well-respected law enforcement department," said Scott French, Panasonic's vice president of public sector sales, in a statement. "By deploying the Toughbook mobile computers, the department has taken an important step to empower its deputies with mobile computing technologies that will dramatically improve productivity and efficiency."
Related: L.A. County Sheriff Adds Mobile Computers To Fleet