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Police Using Notebooks on Patrol?Nearly everyone in this technologically proficient age is well-acquainted with (and very attached to) their computers, laptops , IPODs and cell phones as part of their everyday lives.In fact, several U.S. cities have either already implemented or are seriously looking into vehicle mounts for laptop computers -- but not just in commercial vehicles: The country's police, sheriff departments, and military-based units, both domestic and overseas, are installing very innovative, state-of-the-art laptops designed specifically for in-vehicle public safety use -- right now. It's a fact: "Over and out," and "Run an APB on...." may soon be considered antiquated phrases. We might as well face it: Walkie-talkies are on the way out -- passwords, downloads, and logins are definitely here to stay. Peoria, IL, has equipped 90 of its squad cruisers with very stealthy and extremely durable rugged laptops. Made by Itronix Corp., in Spokane, WA, these units, though challenging to integrate are already an essential part of Peoria's police force. The police department's IT division installed the laptops with already secured in-vehicle dispatch units and scanners without slowing down the power -- or the process. (Business Solutions, June 2004) And in Chicago, an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 patrol cars will have complete laptop installation within one year. (NBC5.com, Chicago) This particular kind of notebook must obviously endure harsh elements, such as fluids, spills, even blood. It can take dirt, extreme temperatures, and will stay online from one shift to another, thanks to powerful batteries. Squad car laptops also cut paperwork and drive-time to and from the police station in half -- allowing officers to be on the road, paring down "desk-job" time to file reports, obtain detailed information on license plates, or investigate suspects -- on the spot. Downloading while driving will soon be an everyday reality. You still want to drink and drive? Think again -- police using laptops can nab you so quickly you won't have time to think up an excuse. Though many larger city's cop cars are already equipped with laptops, they're limited in terms of on-the-spot information. With the newer, "rugged" notebooks, police officers can now easily file case reports from their cars, look up a specific arrest warrant, outstanding citations. and otherwise shadowy information criminals don't want them to know. These laptops don't stop working at the county line, either. Interchangeable state data is available. The advanced laptop software allows access from local law enforcement to federal history archive records (Wisconsin Dept. of Justice, Dave Wolfe, application development manager). And one more police unit will really appreciate these laptops: Dispatchers will be under less pressure and have fewer problems with miscommunication. So, it's a good idea to drive even more safely as you pass by the next cruiser -- you may just be popping up on their screen. By Catherine Van Herrin - Laptopical Friday, December 31, 2004 |
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