NCJ Number
147526
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 20 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 39-42
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Technology known as Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) has been used for many years in the trucking and transit industries and is now starting to catch on in the law enforcement arena.
Abstract
The idea of being able to have almost real-time updates of vehicle position is appealing to law enforcement agencies, particularly in the context of police officer safety. Some AVL systems have emergency buttons that allow police officers in trouble to reach dispatchers without actually speaking. The dispatcher receives the emergency message, as well as information on the exact location of the police officer in need of assistance. AVL systems give law enforcement the ability to monitor police units at all times and help management adjust work schedules to meet police response needs. In addition, AVL systems facilitate surveillance and stolen vehicle tracking. Two basic types of AVL systems are available, land-based and satellite-based. Land units require a radio frequency using radio antennas strategically placed throughout the service area. Satellite- based global positioning systems bounce location systems off a satellite and back down to a radio frequency land system.