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.
Firearm security system
VisuaLock introduces its patented firearms security system, which is designed to render a firearm inoperable by making it impossible to chamber a live round with a VisuaLock in place. VisuaLock devices are available to accommodate revolvers, pistols, rifles, and shotguns and are designed to be easy and quick to install or remove. The security cartridge or shell is solid brass. The red outer security rod is made of heat-treated stainless steel with a powder coating that will not damage or mar barrels or crowning. The inner security rod is made from hardened steel. Rifle and shotgun versions have nylon spacers along the inner rod to further protect barrels and crowns.
Touch-screen personal computer
DLoG Logistics Inc., a supplier of transportation and logistics hardware solutions, announces the industrial mobile personal computer DNeT MPC 5/110. The sophisticated features and rugged construction of DLoG’s fanless MPC 5/110 are designed for use indoor and outdoor vehicles. The optional 3M Near Field Imaging (NFI) MicroTouch 10-inch touch-screen is designed to provide high visibility even in bright environments. The optional heating capability is engineered to allow the MPC 5/110 to operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. An internal UPS storage battery is available for backup during power failures and transportation from one vehicle to another. An optional automatic switch-off feature powers down the computer when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.
Flame-resistant fabric
Kermel, a French company, introduces Heroskin, a line of flame-resistant outer fabrics intended to be worn by emergency responders. The Heroskin twill fabric is made of 99 percent Kermel thin fibers and 1 percent antistatic fibers. The fabrics are designed to be resistant to chemicals, to be color-fast, and not to pill. Heroskin fabrics can be made to measure and are available in different weights, weaves, and colors.
Hearing protection
Howard Leight introduces Targo Trap, an electronic earmuff specifically designed to meet the needs of law enforcement officers and other shooters. Targo Trap is engineered to electronically amplify low-level ambient sounds, like range commands or normal conversation, while instantly reducing loud noises, such as gunfire, above 82 decibels down to acceptable levels. Targo Trap incorporates a number of other features, including low-profile, beveled earcups designed to minimize interference with gun stocks. Water-resistant, directionally placed microphones are designed to enable the user to pinpoint the location of incoming sounds while consistently understanding voice and other signals. Standard AAA batteries provide extended life up to 350 hours, and an automatic four-hour shutoff designed to prevent accidental battery drain.
Management software
Orion Communications introduces the policeMANAGER, an officer management system designed to automate the management of agency personnel command structures, assignments, funding, shifts, leaves, training, quartermaster administration, and applicant tracking. The Web-based application is designed to store personnel background, dialogue notes, and comprehensive history logs. History logs track all activities for assignments, pay, training, personnel changes, and slot allocations. The system features visual icons for fast comprehension and ease-of-use. The system is designed to be deployed as a stand-alone solution or be incorporated into existing or planned technology infrastructures.
Public safety software
Spillman Technologies announces the release of Summit 4.5, a software package that brings together all of the company’s public safety applications into one collection designed to support both Unix and Windows operating systems. Summit 4.5 enhancements include a redesigned user interface that features a high-contrast color scheme designed to improve screen viewing, large icons to facilitate touch-screen use, and simplified one-click access to master names, vehicle, and property tables from any screen in the system. Also updated for Summit 4.5 are Spillman’s CAD software, workflow and approvals management software, and integrated message center.
Master’s degree program
Kaplan University announces the introduction of a master of science degree in criminal justice (MSCJ) that is designed to prepare law enforcement professionals for leadership roles and to educate researchers on topical issues in the field. The MSCJ is designed to combine theory and real-world practice. Specialization areas include policing, global criminal justice issues, leadership and executive management, and law. Courses cover terrorism, fiscal issues, ethics and diversity, and criminological theory. The thesis track focuses on applied research within the profession to prepare students for future academic studies in either advanced research or teaching at the college level. The nonthesis track consists of a practical curriculum in criminal justice for law enforcement professionals seeking advancement in the field.
Chemical hazard detector
Morphix Technologies introduces the Chameleon, a chemical hazards detector for first responders. The Chameleon is a wearable device, allowing for hands-free detection of up to 10 different hazards at one time, under harsh conditions, and even after immersion in water. The Chameleon is designed to detect chemical hazards in the air and does not require a liquid sample.
Digital recorder
SEMCO introduces the R250 digital video recorder (R250DVR), a high-resolution digital video/audio recorder designed to replace – in form, fit, and function – analog 8mm recorders. The R250’s internal hard drive is designed to record more than 11 hours of video and audio in DVD quality and at full motion (30 frames per second) and approximately 24 hours at VHS quality. The operator has control of both frame rate and compression ratio (that is, resolution) to enhance video quality or to extend recording times. The R250 is also engineered to allow users to configure it to respond to alarms or triggers. In alarm mode, the recorder features programmable pre- and post-event recording.
Portable communications device
Communications-Applied Technology announces the ICRI-2P, a portable device designed to provide first responders with voice communications with command and support personnel, even in a shopping mall, a tunnel, or a similar structure. Designed for ease of deployment and field maintenance, the ICRI-2P is engineered to operate for five hours with a single nine-volt battery and for 30 hours or more with the optional 12-volt battery pack.
Police helicopter
Enstrom Helicopter Corp.’s announces the newly configured 480B Guardian police helicopter. The 480B Guardian is outfitted with a front-mounted camera, a digital video recorder and monitor system, and a searchlight. The turbine-powered 480B is also available as a three-place advanced trainer or as a three- to five-place VIP aircraft.
Digital video system
The Electronic Services Agency offers a portable digital video system designed for vehicle fieldwork with multiple cameras (from four to 16) and engineered to be PC-compatible and downloadable to wireless local area networks. The X200 recorder is designed to be used with a removable hard disk cartridge to record from multiple video and audio sources. The X201 reviewer is designed to allow for onsite reviewing of video and audio recordings and to configure the optional menu settings of the recorder. The removable hard disk cartridge is designed to be connected to a PC to analyze, copy, or archive recordings and to download new operating software.
Handheld safety tool
LifeBarrier introduces the ProSafetyGrip, a handheld pat-down search and retrieval tool designed to provide critical standoff distance from needles and other sharp objects that may harbor deadly pathogens while simultaneously maintaining tactile feedback that is paramount for successful task performance.
