Technology: Page 4

Why Is Public Safety Behind the Tech Curve?

When was the last time you went as a consumer to a software store, bought a disk, took it home, and installed it on your computer or mobile device? If you’ve done this recently, savor the memory because this mode of delivering technology on physical disks is rapidly going extinct.

Photo via FutUndBeidl/Flickr.

App Review: Google Maps

For officers who aren't issued patrol vehicles equipped with GPS for positioning and call routing, Google Maps offers a very useful alternative. GPS will always be the best choice, but it's more costly, making Google Maps a tool that's within easy reach.

Screenshots via Google.

P25 Systems: Harris Corp.'s Enhanced Failsoft with Security

The term "failsoft" refers to any failover condition that causes a digital trunked radio system to not trunk. This is most commonly caused by a loss of the control channel that subscriber radios use when communicating to the towers to assign a resource.

Harris Corp.'s XG-75 single-band radio incorporates the Harris P25 systems Enhanced Failsoft with Security mode technology. Photo courtesy of Harris.

App Review: First Responder Support Tools

The First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) app for iOS, Android, and Windows can assist you with HazMat spill evacuation and IED standoff distances.

Screenshots via ARA Developer.

Maximizing P25 Spectrum

The APCO Project 25 (P25) Phase 2 standard is now ready for critical communications users. This further advancement of P25 was intended to improve upon the digital public safety radio communications standards used by first-responders, homeland security, emergency response professionals, and other agencies.

Enhanced Dynamic Dual Mode provides users with improved interoperability and increased voice capacity on P25 systems. Photo courtesy of Harris.

Is Voice Recognition Ready for Prime Time Policing?

If I were working a patrol shift, hands-free computing could be a lifesaver. I could be driving to a call for service with both hands on the wheel and retrieving (via voice command) critical dispatch information from my mobile computer.

Photo: Mark W. Clark

Breaking Down Tech Barriers

On a timeline of public safety innovation and advancements, 2012 will be marked as a blockbuster year. The creation of the National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) and forward movement in next-generation 911 (NG911) marked a 180-degree turn from just a few years ago. And it's about time.

Next-Gen 911: Technology Behind a 911 Call

Next-gen 911 (or enhanced 911) will enable calls, text messaging, and even video from mobile devices to be sent to the dispatch center, which is also known as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Infographic courtesy of Great Call.

High-Tech Gear: Agencies Level the Playing Field

Technology companies can no longer take a proprietary view that shies away from open architecture and cross-platform partnerships. In our multidimensional and complex world, partnerships offer cost-efficient, workable solutions for public safety.

Screenshot via CoyoteAndRoadRunner.

Tablet Accessories

Accessories for tablets are still being developed, but plenty of cases and mounts are currently available. If you're using a tablet on patrol, don't miss this handy guide.

Pelican's 1075 hard case provides rugged protection for the iPad.

Public Safety Broadband: FirstNet Must Put Public Safety First

FirstNet (the First Responder Network Authority) will oversee the building and operation of the new nationwide public safety broadband network. The board as a whole can't allow the politics of business and Congress to shape a system with limited capabilities and limited competition.

Getac Allies with FedEx for Rapid Rugged Computer Repair

FedEx will not only handle the transport of the computers, specially trained FedEx TechConnect personnel will repair them.

A FedEx TechConnect technician makes a warranty repair to a Getac ruggedized notebook.

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