Mike Bostic, of Raytheon Corp.'s Civil Communication Solutions group, specializes in open architecture, systems integration of communications and data programs. Mike spent 34 years with the LAPD, holding commands from communications and information technology to assistant chief. He was also a member of several LAPD steering committees, overseeing IT and facility development as well as the SWAT Board of Inquiry, which developed new command and control systems.
In law enforcement, new technology for police forces often arrives slowly and sporadically. In California, we're seeing a critical shift to high-tech gadgetry that could be a bellwether for forces across the country.
Next-generation 911 (NG 911) is a term that refers to the transition in public safety to broadband technology and multimedia-enabled operations that will enhance 911 capabilities for call centers and first responders. NG 911 relies on the implementation of an Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) that lets a person send video, voice and text "calls" to a call center during an emergency.
Public safety officials are increasingly aware of the disconnect between technology that's available to the average consumer and technology that's available to first responders. Many lawmakers are listening and stepping up to help public safety get the wireless network and technology it needs.
Regardless of the finer details, the fact remains that Americans and public safety agencies have waited far too long for an interoperable public safety broadband network. Now — not next year or the one after — is the time for Congress to lay aside differences and stand behind the more than 2 million first responders who serve this country.
The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, as well as the ongoing nuclear power plant malfunctions there, serves as a grim reminder that similar disasters can occur here in the U.S. We need to better equip police officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel, so they can respond immediately and cohesively to emergency situations.
Once these decision-makers accept what field cops instinctively know — that smartphones are the future — public safety departments will move quickly to adopt technologies that already exist.
Notice that in public safety, we have many capabilities in DNA, prints, biometrics, and yet we have no field capability. Not for long. Finally, police executives and IT professionals in public safety are demanding these new capabilities in RFPS and program development.
As LTE begins to be deployed in 2011, according to industry leaders, patrol officers will have access to data and video in vehicles and on hand-held devices. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the convergence of cellular applications and devices with current antiquated police radio systems has begun.
Effective communication is essential in large-scale emergencies. With multiple agencies working together on a complex and fast-paced incident, every second counts; there's no room for delay or error.
As technology continues to become more sophisticated, it's critical for public safety personnel to understand the many tools available to help them do their jobs.