Technology: Page 8

GPS in Police Vehicles: Officer Safety or Big Brother Watching?

Some agencies and unions have agreed that GPS results will not be used against officers unless a complaint has been made, but other agencies have purchased computer software that will monitor an officer's speed and print out a report. Alerts can also send out if the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined maximum.

GPS client software such as this example from TrackStar AVLS displays the location and status of an agency's law enforcement vehicles on a map display. Image via TrackStar.

All the Suspect Info on the Screen In Your Hand

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.

A Case for Communications Training

Should regular training be required on communications equipment and the procedures for using it? Consider these four topics for annual training.

Detecting the Origin of Gunshots

Gunshot detection is possible with the system that involves the installation of small auditory sensors—16 per square mile—in areas where gunfire is more common.

Photo via Flickr.com (thisisrod).

LTE Expands Communications For LE

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.

Using the iPhone For Field IDs

In addition to asking for a driver's license, the officer would use the iPhone to photograph the suspect's face and iris (the colored ring around the pupil). It would allow officers to verify a suspect's identification and perhaps avoid dragging them back to the station.

Iphone Facerecognize 1

Emergency Simulations Provide Learning Opportunities

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.

The Golden Guardian emergency response drill included an active shooter in Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach. Image via Flickr.com (jb18t).

Cultivating Education for Better Prepared Public Safety Recruits

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.

Students participating in Raytheon’s Engineers Week design and build a trebuchet siege engine used in the Middle Ages to illustrate the real-world application of math and science. Photo courtesy of Raytheon.

What's Up With In-Car Video?

Technology is never the limiting factor—capable systems exist now. Systems integration and cost planning must be well thought out to bring it to officers on the streets.

Challenger Gallery5 1

ILEETA: Trainers Go Hands On With Simulators

One of the best things about attending the International Law Enforcement Educators and Training Association conference held this week in the Chicago area is that trainers get some serious hands-on experience with some of the latest training tools, including use-of-force simulators.

The MILO Range PRO offers a touchscreen User Interface allowing trainers to quickly load scenarios without a keyboard or mouse.

Will Cell Phones Eventually Replace Your Handheld Radio?

As systems integration shifts competition among handset manufacturers, we can also expect to see handset capabilities expand. Cell phones run circles around a police radio for about 5 percent of the cost.

Image via nrtphotos (Flickr.com).

Baltimore PD Hits the Streets on Foot with PocketCop

In a bid to curb crime through community engagement, the Baltimore Police Department is using new technology to get back to the tradition of the neighborhood cop on foot patrol.

Image via InterAct Public Safety

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