NCJ Number
150291
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1994) Pages: 23-26
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Mobile data capabilities represent one approach to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of police officers in the field by providing access to relevant databases by means of vehicle-mounted or handheld computers or terminals.
Abstract
The gains include productivity increases of 500 to 1000 percent among patrol officers, a 70- to 80-percent reduction in radio traffic, increased communication security, improved police officer safety, reliable communications, and an increased range of communications. Four approaches to system design are the dedicated data system, the shared voice/data system, the trunked system, and the public network. The first three strategies involve a capital expenditure to build the infrastructure, but the public network solution does not. Public networks also have advantages because of their high reliability, redundancy, increased range, and the degree to which new technology can be accommodated. Charts and notes