The Police Chief keeps you on the cutting edge of law enforcement technology with monthly product announcements. For free in-depth information, visit http://www.theiacp.org/pubinfo/pc/ and insert the product number on the Reader Response Form (ideal when requesting information from more than one company). Items about new or improved products are based on news releases supplied by manufacturers and distributors; IACP endorsement is in no way implied.

Mobile computer

JLT Mobile Computers introduces its second entry into the ruggedized tablet PC category, the G-Force 850, designed to be a powerful, convenient, lightweight, and ultratough personal computer for public safety users. It features a photograph-quality 8.4-inch display with backlighting for daylight applications and weighs just 3.5 pounds. It is engineered to operate for up to five hours (full operation) or eight hours (using power-saving feature) on a single battery charge. Military battery upgrades are available for users who need extreme temperature operation. The batteries are hot swappable, allowing the user to change batteries while running applications without the need to reboot or shut down the tablet. The resistive 8-wire touch screen with high-resolution display is well suited for viewing applications such as detailed maps, warrants, or GIS topographical data.

For more information, click here, and insert number 110 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Portable radios

Vertex Standard announces the addition of two new VHF/UHF portables to its portfolio of VX series radios for public safety applications. Both radios offer up to five-watt RF output (selectable by channel) and 32-channel capability with versatile, user-friendly scanning features, including Dual Watch, Priority, Group, and Follow-Me. Also included in each model are built-in voice encryption and numerous over-the-air functions such as stun, kill, and revive. In spite of their compact size and light weight, both the VX-410 and VX-420 series offer 500-megawatt audio output, designed to ensure reception in noisy environments. Both radios offer two programmable side function buttons. The VX-420 provides the user with additional flexibility and extra features, including a full keypad that includes four more programmable function buttons on the front of the unit.

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Software

Northrop Grumman Corporation announces CommandPoint, its new first responder command-and-control software for law enforcement and other incident management activities. It is the latest application suite released by Northrop Grumman Information Technology’s (IT) public safety business, designed and developed to enhance the readiness, response and recovery operations of any public safety agency. It uses the Microsoft.net technologies and the Windows XP operating system, which are designed for ease of use with fewer forms and increased user preferences. CommandPoint also allows for increased speed in the execution of commands, enabling faster response times.

For more information, click here, and insert number 112 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Nonlethal weapons simulator

Advanced Interactive Systems announces the introduction of nonlethal weapons in its PRISim training simulators, including the Taser M26 and X26. The PRISim 4.3 training simulator offers tools for all Taser conducted energy weapons as well as PepperBall, bean bag (shotgun), multiple OC, and flashlights. AIS’s interactive training simulator is designed to give police agencies a tool they can use to train officers on a full range of firearms and equipment in the use-of-force continuum. The new system features multiple less-lethal weapons options.

For more information, click here, and insert number 113 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Digital network appliance

Applied Integration Corporation announces the introduction of the InCharge 4300 Series Digital Video/Audio Network Interface, a digital network appliance that acts as either a video-to-network interface or a network-to-video interface. The InCharge 4300 is designed to provide access to high-quality video images from a standard NTSC or PAL camera over an Ethernet LAN. The use of TCP/IP protocol ensures global Internet access. Using wavelet hardware compression technology, Applied Integration compresses high-quality images at up to 60 images per second, transmits them over a wired or wireless connection, and then decompresses them for viewing or long-term storage. This solution allows customers to overlay video on top of existing network wiring infrastructure, eliminating the need to run additional wiring specifically for cameras.

For more information, click here, and insert number 114 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Mobile computer

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company introduces the Toughbook CF-Y2, a slim, light, executive-styled notebook designed to merge Intel’s latest state-of-the-art mobile technology with the Toughbook line’s legendary durability. The Toughbook CF-Y2 has been engineered to maximize Intel’s latest Centrino system architecture and features a 400-megahertz front side bus and 256 megabytes of 333-megahertz DDR RAM (expandable to 512MB). It is powered by Intel’s 1.3-gigahertz processor. Panasonic’s power-saving technology delivers up to seven hours of runtime from the Y2’s standard six-cell battery. The computer features a 14.1-inch antiglare color display, a built-in industrial-grade drive for CDs and DVDs, a 20-bit sound system, and an integrated stereo speaker.

For more information, click here, and insert number 115 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Holster

Gould & Goodrich announces the Quantum Holster Model 380. This new grab-resistant, antiblade duty holster is designed to be easier to use than other holsters. No fancy moves are required to remove a weapon from the holster, just a smooth and natural draw. Available in plain black, black weave, high-gloss, and nylon, this hard-shell holster is molded for durability.

For more information, click here, and insert number 116 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

In-car camera

Kustom Signals introduces Digital Eyewitness, its in-car video system for law enforcement. It features a variety of controller and monitor configuration options, including an integrated overhead console that includes a fold-down swivel monitor; a rear camera with the optional in-car microphone that can covertly record evidence while suspects are detained in the vehicle; a compact camera; a choice of storage media options that includes a DVD-RAM disk or a removable hard drive; cab- or trunk-mounted media enclosure options; pre-event recording; the Sure Talk 900-megahertz transmitter; and optional automatic crash record activation.

For more information, click here, and insert number 117 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Crime prevention kit

Kwikset, a manufacturer of locks and other hardware for doors, announces the availability of the Kwikset home safety and property crime prevention kit for use in community and neighborhood watch meetings. The kit is free to law enforcement agencies. The kit features a home security VHS videotape featuring security expert Bob Stiber, who explains how families can improve home safety by more than 50 percent. The kit also includes a grade-1 deadbolt for demonstration purposes and printed safety literature that can be distributed free of charge.

For more information, click here, and insert number 118 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Marking paint

Rust-Oleum Industrial Brands presents Industrial Choice inverted marking paints and chalks designed for use by police at crime scenes and during traffic investigations. The fast-dry formulas can be used on concrete, gravel, grass, pavement, and other surfaces. The paint and the chalk come in 17-ounce cans designed to fit easily in the trunk of a patrol car. Available in a selection of general purpose and fluorescent colors, Industrial Choice marking paint has a no-mess spray-through cap that keeps paint off fingers. The markings last for up to 90 days, and the paint can be applied in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The marking chalk features a precision-line spray tip for crisp markings and is available in a range of colors. Chalk marks last 15 to 30 days.

For more information, click here, and insert number 119 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Multigas detector

MSA Instrument Division announces the release of the newest member of its Stellar Series Portable Instrument product line: the Sirius Multigas Detector. Combining two instruments into one, the Sirius Multigas Detector features a PID in a multigas unit. The Sirius Multigas Detector is designed to allow users to monitor for hundreds of potentially dangerous vapors and chemicals. The Sirius Multigas Detector is also designed to simultaneously monitor for volatile organic compounds and combustible, toxic, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Features include a loud, attention-grabbing alarm system that clearly warns users of a hazardous situation, interchangeable lithium-ion and alkaline battery packs, an easy-to-use calibration system, and a long-term storage kit.

For more information, click here, and insert number 120 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Mobile computer

Kontron Mobile Computing announces the expansion of its line of ReVolution rugged mobile computers to include the X Series, two notebook PCs that feature rotating touch screens and wireless capabilities. The ReVolution X Series, which comprises the XT and the XTS, is designed to support large field fleets that require the convenience of a tablet and a keyboard-equipped notebook housed in a ruggedized package engineered to meet military specifications. Both X Series models feature an Intel Pentium processor, a 40-gigabyte hard drive, 640 megabytes of RAM, a touch screen, and a sealed backlit keyboard. The XTS features a brighter display for better performance indoors and out.

For more information, click here, and insert number 121 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Training video

In The Line Of Duty announces “Incident at White Castle,” a training video designed to help officers make smart choices regarding use of force. The program includes clips of a 2003 incident in Cincinnati in which a combative suspect died after assaulting police officers. In addition to in-car camera footage from the scene, the video features commentary about the incident from law enforcement experts and interviews from national news broadcasts. The assailant, who was determined to have cocaine, PCP, and methanol in his system, was unresponsive to verbal commands from officers and ultimately had to be restrained with pepper spray, PR-24 batons, and three pairs of handcuffs. The video includes lessons for officers on using verbal commands, exercising control and compassion, maintaining a will to survive, and using video cameras to document crimes. The program also includes training in the proper use of the PR-24 baton and the advanced Taser.

For more information, click here, and insert number 122 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.

Vending machine

Vending Machine Sales introduces its 16-selection snack vendor, a machine designed for small spaces. It holds more than 155 items in its standard configuration, and it can be accompanied by an optional satellite can and bottle vending machine.

For more information, click here, and insert number 123 in the box on the Reader Service Number response service.