Two-way radios are essential to police communication devices. They enable officers to stay connected even in the most challenging environments. This police communication equipment is reliable and rugged and works during power outages and when cell towers are overloaded. In addition, push-to-talk technology makes it simple to communicate with the other party because they are small, light, and strong. In this way, cops may utilize them anywhere, even in difficult situations.
Dispatch systems
In many police departments, Computer-Aided Dispatch systems have helped them manage their call-for-service (CFR) and patrol unit dispatching functions more efficiently. The first generation of CAD systems, which had limited computing reserves, may have limited departments’ imaginations regarding its potential uses. However, current CAD systems often incorporate a range of data essential to dispatchers, who must coordinate calls with responding officers. The following are some of the key features of a typical CAD system.
A Police Priority Dispatch System (PPDS) allows certified 911 emergency dispatchers to gather incident information and categorize them by Chief Complaint. The system utilizes an alpha-numeric coding matrix to assign incident priority levels. It focuses on six basic priority levels for calls, considering the local geography and call load. Police dispatchers are trained to understand the most critical situations in a specific area.
Body-worn cameras
Some of the police equipment that the privacy laws do not cover police use includes the use of body-worn cameras. During private conversations, officers turn the camera off to avoid recording conversations. This practice is common when officers want to discuss a crime or its aspect with a supervisor or colleague. As a result, the recorded audio is often skewed and contains preliminary information that is not very useful in establishing the guilt or innocence of the suspect.
Body-worn cameras should be limited to uniformed police officers and marked police vehicles. In addition, the use of body-worn cameras should be restricted to planned enforcement actions and the use of force. Regardless, these cameras give useful information to law enforcement. As a result, they must be utilized responsibly. Moreover, the videos must be stored for a long time to be used in court. Therefore, a police officer should only use body-worn cameras if necessary to prevent a crime.
Bluetooth devices
One of the benefits of Bluetooth devices for police communications is connecting to other Bluetooth devices, such as a smartphone or a laptop. It means that officers can control their radio with their mobile phones, reducing the need to switch attention from one device to another. Additionally, officers who work during the night can easily access the controls on their radio from a connected smartphone. Bluetooth devices have several other benefits. Here are a few.
Bluetooth technology is becoming increasingly popular in police departments because it is easy to use and withstand punishment. The latest devices can be rugged, have a large battery life, and provide richer real-time information – including suspect images and streaming CCTV. With the right accessory, police officers can also get real-time access to information from a central location, such as the latest ‘tac’ plans or crime statistics.
Two-way radios
Public safety agencies use two-way radios to communicate across different geographies, systems, and technologies. The Federal Communications Commission was not a big fan of the police radios until the 1920s. During that time, reception reliability and clarity were greatly diminished. In 1923, the Victoria Police Department in Australia became the first to use two-way mobile radios. The radios used an Amplitude Modulation (AM) mobile transmitter. In the following years, police departments began using these radios in their communications efforts to respond to emergencies faster.
Computers in police cruisers
Police cruisers are already equipped with computers, but what exactly do they do? It depends on the software and hardware your agency uses. Before the computer age, police cruisers relied on large, obtrusive light bars on the vehicle’s top. These light bars required tall, curved surfaces to house incandescent light bulbs and often included electric motors to turn them around. Now, they are smaller and use compact LEDs. Instead of revolving, the lights will flash. And because they are usually wedged into a vehicle’s rear window or windshield, they are prone to damage from road debris.
The Los Angeles Police Department plans to install computers in 60 of its cruisers by the fall. The records division is coordinating this project. The new technology will allow police officers to conduct investigations and write reports right from their vehicles. Additionally, supervisors will be able to review reports immediately without leaving the vehicle. These improvements make for a safer and more efficient work environment for police officers.
Dash camera
Police departments have long used in-car dash cams to record incidents. These devices have evolved with new formats and video quality, but the workflow to record, transmit, and archive video is still laborious and inefficient. The dash cams deliver relevant data in real-time, eliminating back-office processes while helping keep officers safe. Some dash cams can automatically read the license plate of the car that is being recorded, compared to a list of wanted suspects, and warn the officers immediately.
Videos of police interactions with motorists are a major source of interest for dash cams. In particular, dash cams are a powerful tool for addressing racial profiling, which often results in traffic stops for minorities without cause.
