North Central SAFE-T status (was) Re: [ScanIndiana] Re: Danville Police and Fire

[Edward Ashcraft]

David and the list,

     To clarify what's going on here in the North Central area, techs and
communications division personnel have been evaluating existing sites the
last few months, with construction slated for March.  From what I understand
the entire Northern districts will be up and running by the end of 2003.  We
have yet to receive any word on what equipment we will be getting or when.
The MDTs that have been installed in ISP vehicles are an entirely different
entity from SAFE-T.  This was a deal with Sierra Wireless and works off of
cellular sites.  Using CDPD it allows officers to communicate via laptop as
long as there is good cellular coverage.  We are using Packet Cluster Mobile
software for communications, allowing us "chat" capabilities with officers
signed on, along with e-mail (no attachments), and an alarm feature that
indicates when an officer in the field receives and NCIC hit when running
license and registration checks.  Criminal History checks can still only be
done through dispatch.  It's unknown if when the contract with Sierra runs
out, the data feature will be implemented into the SAFE-T infrastructure.
It only makes sense but this is the "State" we're talking about here. (No
flaming, I am a willing employee)  But for what it's worth this the RUMINT
up here.

Cheers and Happy Listening (for now),

Ed Ashcraft
Telecommunications Operator II
ISP District 24 - Bremen