NCJ Number
172991
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: February 1998 Pages: 46-48
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
ALERT (Advanced Law Enforced and Response Technology Program) is intended to integrate all forms of digital information into one package inside patrol vehicles.
Abstract
Inside the vehicle there is a single-touch screen control panel. Outside the vehicle, the officer has a wireless, handheld computer. The touch-screen panel controls a number of separate functions, including lights, siren, radar, video camera, radio, mobile data terminal (MDT) and even a Global Positioning System. The touch panel can be programmed to activate multiple systems with a single touch according to a department's specifications. This single-touch panel would replace multiple units that now crowd the interior of a patrol car. Not only does this make a patrol car more comfortable for an officer's work, but it is safer. The fewer objects inside the car, the fewer objects that can become hazardous in an accident. The handheld computer provides an officer with MDTs, both inside and outside the patrol car. Vehicle registration, as well as criminal and driver's record checks can be conducted without returning to the vehicle. The handheld unit can use magnetic strip and possibly bar code reading technology to quickly record information from a person's drivers license. Beyond the MDT function, the handheld unit acts as a single site collection point.