July 2008, Government Fleet - Feature
The Big Squeeze in Police Vehicles : More Equipment, Less Space
By Mike Scott
Video Solutions for Real-Time Data Access
A goal for Utah-based consulting engineering firm LM Telecommunications is creating convenient, real-time video solutions officers can use in the field on their laptops or handheld devices such as PDAs, said Shannon McLendon, vice president and design manager for the company.
In addition to safety, real-time surveillance is a critical need for first responders. This data should be available with a quick keystroke or one-touch command.
"Safety and preparedness are really what law enforcement agencies want their high-tech equipment to promote," McLendon said. "We provide heads-up displays and easy-to-find information."
The safe and efficient use of speakers and microphones are other services LM Telecommunications provides, McLendon said. Data seamlessly communicated via cell phones, PDAs, and other portable devices can be used both in vehicles and on foot, giving officers increased flexibility.
Providing handheld and plug-in communications devices, such as a PDA holder, can help reduce the amount of equipment in a vehicle cab, McLendon said.
"It all should be within arm’s reach while in the vehicle for ergonomic reasons, but the portability in and out of the vehicle is really a convenient toll," he said.
Integrated Controls Improve Efficiency and Safety
Law enforcement IT systems previously were designed in piecemeal fashion with little consideration of their integration. While added attention has been paid to ergonomic safety, today’s law-enforcement personnel are often crowded by in-vehicle hardware components, said Sandra Galleno, marketing communications manager for L-3 Communications.
L-3 Communications’ TACNET allows easy access to lights, siren, radios, radar, video, and other law enforcement systems and components within the vehicle through an officer’s choice of controls.
"It’s about helping officers become more efficient in the field while also increasing safety," said Galleno.
By integrating system controls, TACNET clears the airbag deployment zone and helps reduce the potential for dangerous projectiles during deployment.
Systems such as TACNET are designed to also improve interoperability and officer control. Features commonly include:
• Touch Screen Control. Serves as a centralized command-and-control center for lights, sirens, radios, radar, video, mobile data functionality, and other systems.
• Voice Control. Recognizes 39 device commands and 76 application com-mands (includes license plate lookup).
• Heads-up Display. Summarizes im-portant data to help officers avoid looking down at computer screen.
• Control Pod. Supports mission-critical functions with redundant controls. Even in blackout situations, with the screen off, the control pod operates critical equipment in the car.
Watchguard Video’s DV-1 in-car video system burns DVDs while the officer patrols. Overhead mounting keeps the system outside of the airbag deployment zone.