NCJ Number
96320
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 53 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1984) Pages: 21-24
Date Published
1984
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Police officers in Arlington County (Virginia) use mobile computer terminals to keep the dispatcher informed of their status and to make checks on subjects, vehicles, and tags.
Abstract
Officers can also use the terminals to review calls and to send and receive messages to and from the dispatcher and other police officers. The mobile terminals are a central aspect of the restructuring of emergency communications and dispatching in the county. The mobile terminals give officers direct access to local, State, and national crime information files and State motor vehicle registries. The terminals are mounted on an adjustable bracket in the front of the police car within easy reach of the officer. The configuration includes a 6-line, 240-character display, a keyboard similar to that of a typewriter, and status and function keys. An emergency button tells the dispatcher when the officer has an emergency and identifies the officer sending the message. The terminals are used for about one-third of all departmental inquiries. Arrest rates for the types of 'hits' one would expect to receive on mobile terminals are increasing since their installment. Officers are also using less air time asking for repeats on addresses and other case-related information. Arlington now has 35 terminals in operation and is considering adding to the capabilities of the system.