Chicago PD Deploys 10,000 Samsung Galaxy S Smartphones

Chicago officer using Samsung DeX for his in-vehicle computer system.Samsung

Samsung Electronics America says the Chicago Police Department has deployed 10,000 Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones to its officers.

The Samsung smartphones each include Samsung DeX, which gives users the experience of working on a desktop by connecting a smartphone or tablet to an external display or device such as a TV, monitor, or PC. Samsung DeX enables officers to quickly pivot from mobile to desktop experiences inside their vehicles – all without needing to return to their stations, the company says.

Samsung first partnered with the Chicago Police Department to launch a technology proof of concept in 2018. Under the expanded relationship, Samsung now provides mobile devices, Samsung DeX desktop experiences, and Samsung Knox security technologies for the city’s entire fleet of law enforcement vehicles, and has expanded to equip the Chicago Fire Department as well.

Moving from laptops to handheld devices enabled Chicago’s police to carry their tools everywhere, dramatically improving their ability to gather and access information in the field. “Thanks to Samsung DeX, we went from 3,000 vehicle-mounted laptops to around 10,000 Galaxy S-series phones that are now either assigned to officers or in a specific vehicle daily,” said Dennis Baliga, deputy director of IT Infrastructure for the City of Chicago’s Office of Public Safety Administration.

Using Samsung Knox Suite – Samsung’s enterprise-grade security platform – technology teams can design the mobile and desktop interfaces they want users to see on their devices, streamlining access to critical and secure applications. Samsung Knox also makes device setup fast. The Chicago Police Department reduced the amount of time spent provisioning a phone by 75%, compared with three years ago, saving the city’s teams countless hours.

“Between our Galaxy devices, Knox Suite, and Samsung DeX, they are really increasing efficiency and improving their cost savings,” said Todd Maxwell, Samsung U.S. Director of Business Development.

With custom configuration, Samsung devices enable officers to quickly access a wealth of specialized information directly from the field.

“Our Galaxy devices allow us access to state and local databases, city licensing and permitting, so at a special event, I’m able to check the parameters of a special event permit. We also have access to specific applications, like the Department of Transportation hazmat guide. Instead of carrying a big book that is inches thick and several pounds, I have an app on my phone. And I can access city service requests. If I need to report a pothole or traffic lights out, I can do it right from the phone,” explained Aaron Levine, Chicago Police Department Entertainment Venue Team Sergeant.

Samsung Knox also offers device security, according to Samsung and the City of Chicago.

“We trust the partnership we have with Samsung. As officers run people’s names, run their license plates, and are also logging into their systems, we have to worry about security like data leaks and HIPAA information. We are confident in Knox security. It ensures that they can do their job safely and securely,” said Dan Sullivan, electrical mechanic for the City of Chicago’s Office of Public Safety Administration.