Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lowell PD Secures Access to Criminal Databases with Columbitech Mobile VPN

Columbitech's Mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure link for officers accessing criminal databases and dispatch information via mobile devices.

August 14, 2013
1 min to read


The Lowell (Mass.) Police Department has begun using the Columbitech Mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access criminal data in compliance with the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) policy.

Lowell PD equipped its police officers with Apple iPads and iPhones to access computer-aided dispatch information and federal criminal databases through the VPN.

Ad Loading...

The Columbitech Mobile VPN is integrated with PublicEye software to ensure that information accessed through the app is kept protected. The software provides a secure link to monitor 911 calls and access criminal databases, including warrants, driver and vehicle information, registered firearms, and criminal history. The software also allows police to monitor surveillance cameras as well as access public social media feeds within their jurisdiction.

The Columbitech Mobile VPN is FIPS 140-2-validated and supports two-factor authentication as required by the CJIS policy to protect against unauthorized access.

The browser is built with session persistence to ensure that police officers are connected through temporary coverage glitches and when devices roam between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, according to Columbitech.

Ad Loading...

More Technology

Blue tinted background of a police dispatcher with headline Flock Safety + Coreforce Integation
TechnologyJanuary 7, 2026

Flock Safety and Coreforce Partner to Enhance Real-Time Awareness and Operational Efficiency for Law Enforcement

A new integration partnership will enable Flock Safety hotlist alerts and license plate recognition (LPR) searches directly in Coreforce’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) platform.

Read More →
Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring DroneSense by Versaterm
Technologyby Wayne ParhamDecember 18, 2025

From the Show Floor: DroneSense by Versaterm

Learn about DroneSense by Versaterm as POLICE talks with Ryan Bracken, head of product. He explains the rapid advancements in drone technology, capabilities, and software.

Read More →
thumbnail for video series POLCIE From the Show Floor, white headline for Versaterm, all set against a black background with police light bar.
Technologyby Wayne ParhamDecember 10, 2025

From the Show Floor: Versaterm

Learn more about Versaterm as POLICE visits with Rohan Galloway-Dawkins, chief product officer, to explore the company’s focus on a purpose-built platform for public safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for POLICE video From the Show Floor: Motorola Solutions
Technologyby Wayne ParhamDecember 4, 2025

From the Show Floor: Motorola Solutions

In this video, learn about the Motorola Solutions ecosystem and how it provides tools that enhance the efficiency and safety of police officers. You’ll hear about the APX NEXT radio and SVX system, Assisted Narrative, and more.

Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →