NCJ Number
195399
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 42-45
Date Published
May 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents a case study of how the Vancouver Police Department (Canada) assessed its technological needs in the information and communications fields, and then acted to improve its capabilities in these areas.
Abstract
In March 2001, the Vancouver Police Department went operational with a new records management system and mobile data terminal software that was integrated with computer-assisted dispatch, which supports queries to both Canadian and U.S. nationwide criminal justice databases. The department also purchased 200 rugged laptop computers equipped with a built-in cellular digital packet data (CDPD) modem, which allows the laptop to access all systems when removed from its docking port. Other upgrades were a new wireless data system; a trunk-mounted signal booster with global positioning system functionality that makes it possible to automatically locate vehicles; and a new mounting system that allows laptops to be moved from a stowed position into the airbag deployment zones, which creates a more ergonomic keyboarding platform when officers are stationary. The planning that led to these upgrades began in January 2000 and reached a peak in February 2001, when a massive training project was conducted for more than 1,300 employees. The training was completed in June 2001. The department made its changes and upgrades under the belief that mobile computing strengthens a decentralized deployment model, and the systems now in use at the department prove that technology can support the mission of community policing.