The Police Chief keeps you on the cutting edge of law enforcement technology with monthly product announcements. Items about new or improved products are based on news releases supplied by manufacturers and distributors; IACP endorsement is in no way implied.
Rugged 8-inch handheld tablet
Arbor Solution announces the Gladius 8. This IoT (Internet of Things) tablet features a power-efficient MediaTek MT8382 Quad-core Cortex A7 processor, a large 7.85″ color TFT LCD display with a multi-touch projected-capacitive touchscreen, and multiple connectivity options for today’s highly mobile world. The display is anti-reflective to fit any application either outdoors (rain or shine) or inside and enables more sensitivity and accurate touch response. It is designed to be fully rugged, durable, sealed, and highly temperature tolerant: MIL-STD-810G, four-foot drop resistance, raised bezel for LCD impact protection, IP-65 certifications with I/O port hinged rubber covers, and a wide operating temperature of -20 ~ 60°C (-4 ~ 140°F). It has an Android v4.4 operating system; an integrated 1D barcode reader with physical trigger button is standard, or a 1D/2D barcode imager is optional; 1GB of standard memory; and 8GB storage, expandable with USB and SD ports.
For more information, visit http://us.arborsolution.com.
Telecommunications equipment upgrade
Frontier Communications completed a $406,000 project with the Post Falls, Idaho, Police Department to upgrade telecommunications equipment at the department’s 9-1-1 dispatch center. The state-of-the-art solution positions the agency for “next generation 9-1-1,” including texting and video capabilities. The new, cutting-edge system is designed to help the 9-1-1 center with call receiving, mapping, and real-time reporting. This upgraded equipment provides increased functionality and capability of handling wireless 9-1-1 calls. One of the features of the new system is its ability to map the exact location of cellphone users.
For more information, visit www.frontier.com.
Software solution for estimating BAC
BAC Tracker International, Inc. offers BAC Tracker—a state-of-the-art software solution for estimating blood alcohol concentration by incorporating several volume distribution formulae and multiple absorption and elimination parameters into a single extrapolation scenario. Within minutes, users may perform a variety of retrograde and anterograde extrapolations and generate professional, court-ready reports which can be included directly into case files. With its flexible, user-friendly interface and comprehensive report tools, BAC Tracker has improved the quality and throughput of alcohol extrapolation cases for several federal, state, and local crime laboratories; private toxicologists; attorneys; and educational institutions both in the United States and internationally.
For more information, visit www.bac-tracker.com.
Helicopter float option
Robinson Helicopter Company announces that the float option for its 5-place R66 was FAA approved on November 15, 2014. Designated the R66 Turbine Marine, the R66 pop-out float option offers an additional level of safety for over-water operations. The float option adds approximately 65 pounds to the helicopter’s empty weight. When not in use, the float tubes stow in low-profile protective covers along the landing gear skids, minimizing drag and allowing easy cabin entry and exit. Primarily used in emergencies, the floats activate by a lever on the pilot’s collective and inflate within two to three seconds, allowing the pilot to make an immediate water landing, if necessary. Pressurized helium from a tank mounted beneath the right rear seat provides the rapid inflation. It is also approved for water takeoffs at reduced operating weights allowing for water operations training or limited amphibious use, if desired.
For more information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.
Flashlight
CMC Government Supply is a supplier for Nightstick tactical lights made by Bayco Products. Nightstick lights are designed and built to be brighter, carry a longer distance, and run longer than competing tactical lights. Nightstick lights use CREE LEDs, top-quality housing materials, precisely engineered reflectors, reliable switches, state-of-the-art electronics, and the latest battery technology. A Nightstick tool designed for law enforcement officers is the Model 1170 Safety Light. The light combines a full-strength flashlight and flashing safety lights into one compact tool. Two push buttons control the 150-lumen flashlight and blue and red safety lights. Powered by four (included) AA batteries, the 1170 light features an optional magnetic base and cone, making it perfect for directing traffic or marking off an area.
For more information, visit www.cmcgov.com/store/pc/c715.htm.
Entry tool system
BlocHead Gear designs and manufactures tools for first responders, fire fighters, law enforcement, and military use. Its flagship product—the BlocHead Entry Tool System—is a patented device that opens oval and euro profile cylinder locks in less than 30 seconds. In the event of a forced entry, using the system allows first responders to gain access to the location with minimal effort and harm to the door security. When leaving the scene, first responders will be able to secure the door with only minor repairs, as opposed to the total door and doorframe destruction experienced when using manual, hydraulic, or mechanical entry methods.
For more information, visit www.blocheadgear.com.
Tow management system
Dispatch and Tracking Solutions (DTS) service options include web-based software, a third-party tow dispatch and answering service, automatic notification service to owners and lien holders (mail and email), public portal at www.TowedCar.com, and more at no cost to the agency. LETS (Law Enforcement Tow System), the backbone of all the DTS services, is a powerful, web-hosted application focused on automating the way agencies summon, oversee, audit, and manage tow requests and invoices. LETS key benefits include a reduction in officer wait time and dispatch call time, improving services to the public, an increase in fee collections, and a reduction in department liability. Agencies also gain oversight and regulation of impound fees, vehicle disposition, and abandoned vehicle lien processing.
For more information, visit www.DTSdispatch.com.
Online trainings
The IACP, in collaboration with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, announces the launch of the Intermediate Juvenile Interview and Interrogation Techniques online training. The training builds on the material from IACP’s Introduction to Juvenile Interview and Interrogation Techniques online training series. The course highlights best practices and procedures in juvenile interview and interrogation tactics for law enforcement; age-appropriate methods for interacting with youth; tips for interviewing/interrogating diverse youth populations; and strategies to ensure true and admissible youth confessions.
For more information, visit http://elearning-courses.net/iacp.
Concerned citizens app
WiredBlue offers the latest version of the My Police Department (MyPD) app. This new version is a major update of the app. The MyPD app currently serves the citizens of almost 200 law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada. The app’s primary features support law enforcement agencies and the public they serve. Features include real-time push notifications and alerts via Twitter or other channels; information on topics of victim resources, press releases, domestic violence, local traffic, drug resources, most wanted, cold cases; and information about missing children across the state. Citizens are able to send in questions or concerns, along with photos and GPS location, as well.
For more information, visit http://wiredblue.co.
Rapid DNA webinar recordings
All three courses in the American Society of Crime Lab Directors and NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence series on the validation, current use, and future implementation of Rapid DNA are now available online. The courses discuss the quality assurance standards for Rapid DNA, using the National DNA Index (NDIS), and how Rapid DNA can be used at booking. Watch these and other courses and workshops offered by NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Center of Excellence online. ♦
For more information, visit https://www.forensiccoe.org/module/list.
