Rugged computers extend the long arm of the law

After investigating several computer systems that could be networked between its cruisers and the dispatcher, the Brockton PD purchased five units of the Data 911 M5 from Glacier Computer.

Nothing is quite as important as time when public safety is at risk.

For the Brockton (Massachusetts) Police Department, discovering new ways to serve the public more quickly and efficiently is a constant challenge for officers both on patrol and at the station.

The Brockton Police Department has a long history of service to the community dating back to the 1800s, with a current force of 192 sworn officers.

Unfortunately, several systems that had worked in the past were no longer up to speed.

Patrol officers who had once called in licence and registration numbers with ease, now had to endure a lengthy wait to verify the information.

When a patrol officer began pursuit of a vehicle, he would call the licence plate number of the car into the dispatcher.

Once the car was pulled over, the officer would then call in the driver's licence number and the vehicle's registration.

Depending on how many other officers were already waiting, it could take up to 30 minutes for the information to be checked.

"Whenever our officers are dealing with the unknown, there is always a risk", said Sergeant Lee Kendrick of the Brockton Police Department.

"We needed to find a better, more efficient way to tackle this problem".

What was once a time consuming procedure is now a simple one-step task.

After investigating several computer systems that could be networked between the cruisers and the dispatcher, the Brockton PD purchased five units of the Data 911 M5 from Glacier Computer, based in Amherst, New Hampshire, a leading source of rugged computer systems for harsh environments.

"The main reason that we chose Glacier is that the Data 911 M5 product is easy for the officers to use", said Kendrick.

"Even in direct sunlight, the touch-screen is clear, with easy-to-read graphics and user-friendly software".

"Having a readable screen under all types of conditions is crucial, and that's something that no competitor's product offered".

The Data 911 M5 is a modular, sunlight-readable vehicle mount computer.

A touch-screen monitor is installed directly into the dashboard beside the steering column, with a separate keyboard below.

Because it's designed especially for public safety vehicles, not even a high-speed chase is a match for the M5.

"If an officer is in pursuit of a vehicle, he is still able to keep his eyes on the suspect and his hands on the wheel while accessing information from our database", Kendrick said.

With just a touch on the screen, a patrol officer can gain access to important driver and vehicle information.

By entering information into the cruiser's M5, the officer can verify licence and registration, as well as search the state system for any outstanding warrants.

This quick computerised search replaces a lengthy process that was hindering the department's ability to effectively enforce the law.

According to Kendrick, the new system is a success.

"Glacier's Data 911 M5 is invaluable to our patrol officers".

"They are able to easily gather all the information they need to quickly and accurately assess a situation".

"It saves us between 15-20 minutes per call".

Patrol cars aren't the only place that rugged computers are being used by public safety officials.

At the Brockton PD, a Glacier I-Station might be the first thing you notice when you walk in the front door.

As the public enters the station, the first contact they have is with the lobby officer, whose duty it is to talk with the person, evaluate the situation with the assistance of the I-Station, and decide which steps to take.

"Whether a person is here to report a crime or get a copy of an accident report, the lobby officer needs to be able to assist them in a timely, organised manner", said Kendrick.

"The lobby officer is our first link to the public, and we do all we can to foster a good relationship with the community".

The space-saving all-in-one design of the Glacier I-Station is a perfect fit for the station's lobby.

Working within a limited area, the lobby officer needed a compact, high performance computer on which to input and retrieve data relating to criminal cases.

The I-Station, with flexible mounting options, an Intel class processor and a Windows XP platform had been a perfect fit.

"Working in a small space, our officers now have a user-friendly environment in which to assist the public", said Kendrick.

"The I-Station allows the officer to take the time and attention that would usually be spent dealing with computer issues and refocus it on the person who needs our help".

The variety of products and services offered by Glacier Computer provides flexibility for the officers of the Brockton Police Department.

They are now able to deploy computers in locations that would stress other systems well beyond their tolerances.

This new freedom has given its officers the ability to better concentrate on their safety - and the safety of the public - by providing them with fast, accurate information.

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