NCJ Number
191122
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 37-42
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines law enforcement's use of mobile computer terminals.
Abstract
The mobile computer terminal (MCT) is becoming a common tool for law enforcement, and is the technology most sought after by many police agencies. This technology plays an important role in modern policing strategies and, along with other new technologies, is redefining policing. Technology management, staffing considerations, security concerns, and policy implications must be examined when implementing a mobile data system. In 1998 the Buffalo, NY, Police Department implemented a mobile data system, and today has more than 120 operational mobile computers in the field. Buffalo's policy works well, in part because the department addressed and resolved issues concerning: (1) laptops being taken out of the vehicle; (2) guidelines for loading software; (3) logging-on and logging-off procedures; (4) officers viewing pending calls; (5) use of call stacking; (6) officers viewing enhanced 911 information; (7) officers entering their own disposition on calls; (8) officers putting themselves out on traffic stops; (9) officers putting themselves out as backup units; (10) officers putting themselves out on administrative tasks; (11) e-mail messaging guidelines; (12) release of information obtained via the MCT; (13) equipment malfunctions and maintenance requirements; and (14) calls to be sent via voiceless dispatch.