[Scan-DC] MPD Launches New Smart Patrol Technology

[Alan Henney]

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From: Crump, Gwendolyn (MPD)
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 12:19 PM
Subject: MPD Launches New Smart Patrol Technology

For Immediate Release

MPD Launches New Smart Patrol Technology

Washington, DC --  Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Metropolitan Police Chief
Cathy L. Lanier announced today the deployment of the Smart Patrol
car.  The new wireless technology will make MPD patrol officers more
efficient and effective.

The new technology allows officers to perform local and national
criminal record checks, receive dispatch calls and submit police
reports – all with just a tap of an index finger on a touch screen
computer.  Locators are installed on each of the laptops, allowing
dispatchers to locate officers anywhere in the city.  The technology
also gives officers the ability to receive and respond to calls for
service without the use of a radio.

“As our police department works to increase the safety of residents of
the District, we will constantly look to employ new methods to help
our officers remain better informed and work more efficiently," said
Mayor Fenty.

Currently, there are 10 cars with the new laptops.  Approximately 200
patrol cruisers will be retrofitted per quarter with the new
technology, ultimately installing the laptops in all 800 patrol cars.

“This technology automates my entire patrol operation.  The new system
will make paper reporting a thing of the past.  It essentially takes
us out of the age of the stone and chisel, and launches us into the
21st century,” said Chief Lanier.

The cost to outfit a vehicle is about $6,500 per patrol car.




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