Historically, policing has evolved as officers have taken advantage of new technologies. In-vehicle connectivity, which supports machine-to-machine communications and connected devices, is the most recent technology to drive changes amongst police forces. The connectivity leveraged via in-vehicle gateways and routers allows for multiple wireless devices to gain access to first-response specific applications.
Though law enforcement can expect a myriad of benefits from this advanced connectivity, we’ve broken down a few applications most useful while in the field and driving the most change amongst police officers.
Field-Enhancing Applications for Mobile Gateways and Routers
Consolidated, Reliable Connectivity Creates a Mobile Law Enforcement Ecosystem
When law enforcement can easily communicate and access information, they’re able to work much more efficiently and collaboratively. By leveraging the applications of mobile connectivity, multiple devices can communicate important, specialized information.
Additionally, when a police officer is engaging with or approaching an individual, giving nearby officers and dispatchers a literal play-by-play just isn’t realistic. The connectivity from gateways and routers solves that by tracking devices and sending appropriate signals to keep all necessary parties updated. If a police officer leaves her car and walks towards a pulled over car, for instance, GPS in her badge can indicate to dispatchers that she’s left her vehicle. This allows them to monitor her activity in case she requires back up.
When all devices are connected, an ecosystem forms where mobile law enforcement can work together in new and advanced ways.
Quick Access to Driver, Vehicle, and Criminal Records Affects How an Officer Proceeds
Reliable and fast access to records can take the guessing work out of knowing who an officer is about to approach. This allows them to make more data-based decisions in the moment—when it matters most. In the field, a lot can happen in a very small amount of time. Being armed with key knowledge makes for increased safety and better decision making.
Video Surveillance Provides Proof of Events
More and more police officers are beginning to rely on video surveillance, whether it’s in-vehicle or body-worn. This is imperative for avoiding any confusion or resolving any disputes regarding the details of an event, from road incidents to approaching and engaging with a civilian. Aside from resolving disputes, these cameras can also record and collect evidence initially missed during an incident. Video surveillance is a win-win for law enforcement and citizens alike.
Harnessing Mobile Gateways and Routers
Law enforcement agencies can install routers and gateways in police vehicles to provide advanced capabilities for teams to not just communicate more efficiently and gain access to data quickly but to ultimately focus on the situation at hand. Clear timelines and triggered alerts allow for officers to respond faster and reflect on situations more accurately.
Importantly, this connectivity doesn’t change the nature of policing, it just makes it better. When officers are able to seamlessly communicate with dispatchers and others in the field, and easily access critical information, they benefit from increased responsiveness, more transparency, improved data-based decision making, more accountability, better morale, and more accurate and faster arrest rates.
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