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.

Sirens

SoundOff Signal introduces three sirens to complement its emergency vehicle products. Models include an eight-function siren, a multifunction siren with three-position slide switch, and a remote dual-tone siren. The sirens include five different warning tones, public broadcasting capability, and a park kill feature that is designed to disable the siren when the vehicle is placed in park, allowing officers to concentrate on the situation at hand. All models are designed to be compliant with SAE certifications and California Title 8 Class A requirements.

Earpiece for shoulder radios

Easy To Get Wireless introduces a new single-wire radio microphone kit designed to make shoulder radios, which can sometimes compromise an officer’s safety by noisily alerting bystanders to the officer’s presence, more discreet. The single-wire kit features a small lapel microphone that attaches to a shirt or jacket and a soft hook earpiece designed to direct incoming audio to be directed to the radio user’s ear. The unit is designed to make sure that only the radio user can hear the conversation. Several earpiece designs are available.

Online map information

ESRI introduces Mapdex, a Web portal designed to provide access to a large and growing number of public ArcIMS map servers. Developed by the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas, the portal is designed to be searchable by spatial layers, fields, and map service names. Specialists in law enforcement and other industries can locate and use readily available data for their particular needs; they can also learn about data origin, date of creation, scale, and any other number of metadata variables.

Badge security system

Blackinton announces the SmartShield badge security system, designed to prevent the fraudulent use of stolen law enforcement and corrections badges. The patented SmartShield badge system is designed to look like a normal badge, but it carries an encoded computer chip. When activated by an Enforcement Identification (Eid) software-enabled RFID (radio frequency identification) reader, the chip transmits SmartShield-authorized encoding to a reader and database. The user’s database may contain information such as a badge ID or location (that is, issued or in inventory) or specifics about the badge wearer, such as name, photo, badge number, and issuance history. The information is available to authorized users only within their database.

Tactical dress uniform

5.11 Tactical Series announces the Tactical Dress Uniform (TDU), which is designed to replace the old-style battle dress uniforms (BDU) of the past. Available in different fabrics and colors, the shirt features hidden document pockets on the front chest, triple stitching, and 28 bartacks for strength. The shoulder is designed to allow for greater mobility, and the sleeves feature removable neoprene elbow pads. The pant features removable neoprene kneepads, removable twill blousing straps, and a YKK zipper instead of a button fly. The tunnel waistband, belt loops, and pocket flaps are all reinforced. The Backup Belt System cargo pockets have spare magazine pocket slots along with hook-and-loop closures. The loop Velcro that lines the cargo pockets can be used to keep necessary tools from moving under extreme activity. The pants have a double seat and the rear utility pockets have hook-and-loop closures. Both the shirt and the pants are Dupont Teflon treated for stain and water resistance.

Gun cleaner

Hoppe’s, a division of Michaels of Oregon, introduces the Elite foaming gun cleaner, designed to coat the bore of a firearm, penetrate the pores, and lift out embedded carbon that acts as glue for fouling.

Schedule software

Atlas Business Solutions Inc. introduces Visual Staff Scheduler PRO 8.0, software that is designed to make it easier to create and manage officer work schedules. Agencies rely on VSS PRO to produce daily, weekly, or monthly schedules by employee, shift, department, or location. VSS PRO is designed to give users the power to create custom schedules quickly, ensure coverage, and reduce overtime, as well as rotate schedules, track time-off requests, and print, publish, or e-mail schedules and reports.

Handheld computer

Tripod Data Systems introduces the TDS Ranger handheld computer for law enforcement. Along with its 30-hour battery, easy-to-use keypad, and touchscreen, the Ranger is designed to give users the option of integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 wireless so you can connect to your field equipment without bulky cables. New CompactFlash (CF) slots allow users to add GPS, GPRS, digital cameras, barcode scanners, and other CF devices. The Secure Digital (SD) slot is designed to allow users increase data storage to handle larger jobs. The Ranger also features Window Mobile software for Pocket PCs. The Ranger meets is designed to withstand drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and extreme temperatures and to be impervious to water and dust.

PC displays

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company announces the availability of 500-NIT displays in select Panasonic Toughbook notebook computers used by law enforcement officers. The displays, which are designed to be 250 to 300 times brighter than commercial grade notebook computer displays, are available on the Toughbook CF-29 rugged notebook (pictured) and the Toughbook CF-18 rugged convertible tablet.

Disposable restraints

M-Pro LLC introduces its new disposable restraint product, Strap Cuffs. The product features a polypropylene strap with a locking mechanism designed to withstand 500 pounds of tension. The width and softness of the webbing are engineered to make the product safe, while the compact size and shape are designed to allow for easy carrying and concealing. In addition, a safe cutting tool is included with each pack of 10 Strap Cuffs to ensure easy removal.

Information exchange software

Enforsys Systems Inc. announces the Enforsys I-3 Exchange, an information sharing system for law enforcement and other public safety agencies. The I-3 Exchange is designed to integrate information from different systems across multiple jurisdictions. It is also designed to make captured information available in real time. System features include a watch list alert system, a data analysis tool, and a data capture tool created to collect data from investigative reports, narratives, suspicious activity reports, jail records, and field interview cards.

Mobile communications center

JLT Mobile Computers and Scottscom Ltd. announce the Disaster Preparedness Contact Center (DPCC), a mobile wireless communications system designed for use as a command center by public safety agencies during major incidents. Applications include interactive voice response, multimedia messaging, audioconferencing, and videoconferencing. The system features JLT’s large display computer, which is designed to allow users to pack it up and take it anywhere a command center is needed. Integrated application servers are engineered to incorporate GIS and other databases, and the system is designed to support a variety of digital and analog endpoints.

Body armor

MSA introduces ForceField concealable and tactical body armor afor law enforcement officers. The ForceField Alpha vest features MSA’s Tri-T Comfort System, designed to pull moisture away from the body, cooling the wearer while reducing odor-causing bacteria. Flex panel sizing is designed to maximize vest coverage while contouring to the wearer’s body shape. The Armor-Latch closure is designed to create reliable front-to-back overlap and allow for a one-handed forward-pull adjustment for proper side coverage and comfort. The ForceField Bravo concealable carrier features traditional styling and is engineered for durability and comfort. The ForceField Tango tactical vest (pictured) has a side-opening modular tactical platform designed for SWAT teams and other tactical professionals.

Safety light

The PowerFlare Corporation introduces the PF-200 safety light. Invented by a police officer, the PowerFlare Safety Light is designed to be a rugged, waterproof lighting device suited for use as an emergency rescue signal and a flashlight. It has user-selectable modes designed to allow the device to flash, to send Coast Guard-approved SOS signals, or be used in solid-on mode as a lantern. PowerFlare safety lights are designed to be clipped onto personnel or objects and even be wedged inside standard traffic cones. The PF-200 safety light features omnidirectional 360-degree light output designed to be visible up to 10 miles away.

Vehicle tagging system

StarChase LLC announces the StarChase vehicle tagging and tracking system for law enforcement. The system is designed to help alleviate the need for dangerous high-speed chases of suspect vehicles. The system features a launching device that discharges a projectile that sticks to the target vehicle. The projectile contains a GPS receiver, a battery, and a radio transmitter, all embedded in an epoxy compound. The projectile is designed to activate on impact and transmit the vehicle’s location every few seconds to a secure server. The server is designed to allow authorized users to view maps displaying the suspect vehicle’s location at a secure Web portal. The system is designed to be compatible with existing computer-aided dispatch and automated vehicle location systems.

Equipment case

Hardigg Cases announces the release of the iM2050 Storm Case for law enforcement and other applications. The iM2050, made of Hardigg’s high-performance HPX resin, is designed to protect smaller equipment against water, dust, sand, and extreme temperatures. Features of the iM2050 include two easy-to-open press-and-pull latches, two padlock-ready hasps, a Vortex automatic pressure release valve, and a soft-grip handle with rigid core. The iM2050 is available in black, olive drab, gray, yellow and orange.

For more information, click here, and insert number 218 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Safety vest promotion

Safe Lites LLC announces a new promotion for its BeaconWear illuminated safety vests called “Go Beyond ANSI Class 2.” The promotion was created to inform prospective safety vest wearers about the limitations of ANSI class 2 vests and the strengths of the company’s GlowSkin active illumination lighting system, which is designed to help improve both conspicuousness and visibility in diminished light conditions such as rain, snow, fog, haze, smoke, or dust day or night.

For more information, click here, and insert number 219 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.