NCJ Number
217959
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 38,40-44,46,48
Date Published
March 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the importance of having "ruggedized" computer equipment (manufactured with features that protect its operation under adverse physical conditions) in police patrol cars, and it offers guidelines for the purchase of such equipment.
Abstract
Patrol-car computer equipment must be able to operate under conditions of vibration, shock, humidity, water, extreme temperatures, and dust. Ruggedized computers are specifically constructed to withstand such abuses. Like more fragile computers designed for less stressful use, ruggedized computers offer various forms of wireless communication and allow for the attachment of options such as scanners, barcode readers, etc. They come with ratings that designate their ability to withstand temperature extremes, shock, drop, dust, liquids, vibration, and other environmental challenges. When assessing ruggedized computers for purchase, those compliant with MIL-STD-810F should be looked at. Also the IP ratings should be checked which designate the degree of resistance to the intrusion of dust and liquids. Ruggedized computer specifications should match the environmental conditions associated with a particular agency's patrol-car duties. Field testing provides additional information on a particular computer's performance. This article describes the specifications of various manufacturers' ruggedized computers. Ruggedized computers of the following companies are described: AMREL/American Reliance, DAP Technologies, Data911 Mobile Computer Systems, Itronix, Kontron America, Motorola Public Safety, Panasonic Computer Solutions, RuggedNotebooks.com, Trimble Navigation, and Twinhead Corporation.