POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif. Agency Equips Fleet with Wi-Fi Capability

All police vehicles are now equipped with a Firetide HotPort 7000 indoor mesh node that transmits data directly to the police station. Data about each vehicle is also captured and transmitted along with the video, providing the department with greater insight into every vehicle.

September 13, 2011

The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno (Calif.) Police Department has equipped its cruisers with additional Wi-Fi capability that allows officers to offload video to the main network in the station.

In the past, the department had to roll out a Cat 5 Ethernet cable on a spool to physically connect the vehicles to the network to download dash-cam videos. Police vehicles and even a street sweeper regularly damaged the Cat 5 cable, which had to be replaced on a regular basis. Additionally, officers working on tight schedules didn't download the video footage as often as needed. As a result, the agency experienced long download times when they found the time to get everything hooked up.

Ad Loading...

"The Firetide mesh solution was a breeze to install, configuring seamlessly into our existing network," said John Zore, network administrator for the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno police department. "We were blown away by the blazing fast speed we could get across the wireless network. Beyond that, we are very happy that we no longer need to roll out cables to police cruisers; now the officers only need to hit a button when they come back to the station and everything is offloaded automatically."

The department's 15 police vehicles are now equipped with a Firetide HotPort 7000 indoor mesh node that transmits data directly to the police station with a single click of a button. Data about each vehicle is also captured and transmitted along with the video, providing the department with greater insight into every vehicle. The data download includes information from how fast an officer is driving to readouts from crash sensors.

When the new police operations building was constructed, it was determined that the most feasible network to include would be one based on wireless technology because it provides a more cost-effective solution than hard-wiring. It also enables the police department to upgrade the system in the future without tearing out the existing wires as is necessary with Cat 5- and Cat 6-based solutions. The Firetide-based solution provides fiber-like performance with full Ethernet compatibility and integration with the existing wired infrastructure.

"The Town of Los Gatos is a prime example of how easy it is to get up and running with a Firetide-based network. We provide the flexibility and performance needed for many real-world deployments, from Wi-Fi access to video surveillance," said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. "The Firetide wireless family has unmatched performance, making our offerings one of the only solutions on the market that is a true alternative to fiber-based networks in a cost-effective manner."

Ad Loading...

More Technology

SponsoredNovember 3, 2025

Learning How to Manage Your Fleet?

Watch this tutorial on how fleet management platforms work. You’ll see how easily you can integrate fleet telematics, dash cameras, and asset management in a single pane of glass and manage your fleet more effectively.

Read More →
thumbnail from video series From the Show Floor, headline features Semtech.
Technologyby Wayne ParhamOctober 31, 2025

From the Show Floor: Semtech

Learn about the latest ruggedized routers designed for public safety vehicles as POLICE visits with Greg Hill of Semtech. These routers are equipped with the latest 5G technology.

Read More →
patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of three computer screens displaying software soluitions in a trade show booth.
TechnologyOctober 26, 2025

Genetec Showcases Its Latest Public Safety Innovations at IACP 2025

Genetec demonstrated its Cloudrunner, Citigraf, and Clearance during IACP 2025 to show how they can provide law enforcement with a unified situational awareness to make cities safer.

Read More →
Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center
PatrolOctober 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Read More →
Flock Safety Webinar Banner
SponsoredOctober 7, 2025

Beyond the Plate: Real-Time Video Intelligence for Police Operations

Join us for an inside look at how agencies are enhancing frontline decision-making with visual intelligence that goes beyond the plate. This session will show how pairing LPR data with live camera feeds delivers faster, safer, and more coordinated responses—on everything from stolen vehicles to active BOLOs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Forensic investigators documenting a crime scene using 3D scanning technology, with Z3D software displayed on a laptop and a FARO 3D scanner on a tripod.
SponsoredOctober 7, 2025

Beyond the Scene: Next-Gen 3D Forensics

Crime scene documentation demands speed, precision and clarity. Join FARO’s forensic experts to explore how the latest 3D scanning innovations are transforming crime scene analysis. Learn how mobile and stationary 3D scanners streamline workflows, reduce human error and deliver courtroom-ready visuals. Whether you're focused on data integrity, operational efficiency or evidence presentation, this session will show you how to capture, analyze and communicate scene data faster and more accurately than ever before.

Read More →
White City of Tampa police SUV parked on street with palm trees
TechnologySeptember 10, 2025

Tampa Police Department Deploys More Than 950 5G Smartphones

Tampa Police Department has deployed more than 950 5G-enabled smartphones through Verizon Frontline to support its Connected Officer initiative and enhance field communications.

Read More →
Emergency medical technicians reviewing medical equipment inside ambulance
PatrolSeptember 9, 2025

Getac Introduces F120 Rugged Tablet and V120 Rugged Laptop

The new devices feature larger displays, AI-ready processors, and enhanced durability for police and first responders working in demanding environments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Silver police badge with eagle emblem resting on computer keyboard
PatrolSeptember 9, 2025

Montville Police Department Deploys Mark43 to Power Safer, Smarter Policing

The New Jersey agency has adopted Mark43 CAD, RMS, Analytics, and OnScene mobile tools to replace its legacy systems and improve daily operations.

Read More →