NCJ Number
211922
Date Published
2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
A group of first responders in Charleston, SC, is testing the feasibility of using small, wearable computers when they are out of their vehicles responding to critical incidents.
Abstract
This demonstration project could lead to first responders having access to building schematics, aerial photographs, digitized maps, and other information that can be accessed through computers that travel with responders wherever they may be working. This project is being conducted under a National Institute of Justice grant to the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)-Southeast's technology partner, the South Carolina Research Authority. Under this funding, the Xybernaut Corporation and the Tactical Survey Group, Inc., have been employed to evaluate the Critical Incident Response Toolset (CIRT) as a national model for first-responder technology. Twelve Charleston police, fire, and public safety agencies have provided 2 participants each to test computer units. The portable unit to be tested at various sites can be worn on a belt around the waist, although more practical options are being studied for law enforcement officers who already wear other equipment on their belts. The unit is a brick-sized processor that runs at 500 MHz and supports a 10-gigabyte hard drive and a touch screen that works well in indirect sunlight. During the demonstration project, each unit will work independently. At the close of the testing phase a lessons-learned report will be distributed to public safety agencies.