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.
Remote control underwater vehicle
Aquabotix introduces its second-generation hybrid underwater vehicle, the Integra AUV/ROV (autonomous underwater vehicle/remotely operated vehicle). Single-person deployable, portable, and lithium ion battery–powered, the Integra AUV/ROV allows users to conduct multiple underwater missions, while providing a cost-efficient alternative to deploying separate AUVs and ROVs for individualized tasks. It can be configured with multiple sensors and maneuvered by an easy-to-use intuitive platform accessible from any web-enabled device. The vehicle is designed for use across several sectors, including law enforcement. Users can easily switch from AUV mode to ROV mode by attaching the tether to remotely control the vehicle’s six degrees of freedom of motion. When running the vehicle in autonomous operation, all mission planning is completed in an intuitive Windows-based application.
Integrated case management system
Law enforcement officials require instant access to crucial investigative information. Salient CRGT, Inc., has partnered with Kaseware to integrate Salient CRGT’s Voyager Query for Law Enforcement within the Kaseware investigative case management system to make it easier for law enforcement agencies to obtain criminal justice data. The investigative case management system combines incident and case management, dispatching, evidence management, and analytics in a single, integrated system. The Voyager Query’s cloud-based CJIS integration platform, paired with Kaseware’s integrated system, eliminates the need to maintain multiple software products or reinvent connecting to legacy systems and databases. As a result, agencies can cost effectively support information sharing, comprehensive investigations, and crime reduction programs.
Brain safety helmet
MIPS, the brain safety technology company, has developed a new product designed especially for the ballistic helmets used by law enforcement. The core technology addresses the rotational forces that are linked to brain injuries. This new product design, however, is refined to specifically meet the safety needs within the law enforcement and armed forces communities. The MIPS:F2 system is built on the standard MIPS low-friction layer that provides the crucial 10–15 millimeters of omnidirectional movement in the 3–10 milliseconds following an impact. Unlike the MIPS system seen to date in active sports helmets, the low-friction layer in the MIPS:F2 is situated between the outer shell of the helmet and the foam liner on the interior. A series of Flexible Retention Organisms (elastomers) and nylon brackets that are molded into the helmet allow the foam liner to move independent of the low-friction layer and the outer shell.
Free community information sharing app
The Community Watch app is available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play and allows individuals to take a photo or video of any criminal activity and have it uploaded to the app, allowing users to notify and alert neighbors as to what is going on in the neighborhood. It takes only five seconds for the video to upload to the app where it can be kept as evidence of the crime. It can also be used to record non-emergencies and hazardous conditions such as closed roads due to a fallen tree or even streets that are blocked off during a snowstorm. Users are able to take a picture or record videos of vandalism over public property, groups embarking in antisocial behavior, or a burglary as it takes place or afterward so that the police can identify the individuals. The app is anonymous and free to use.
Updates to policy management and training platform
Lexipol announces the latest version of its web-based development system. With more than 50 new features and system improvements, Lexipol’s Knowledge Management System 5 (KMS 5) is its smartest, most responsive public safety policy management and training platform to date. Feature changes and enhancements to the software focus on three key elements: helping Lexipol customers work faster, work easier, and work smarter. The release increases the platform’s speed and performance, enhances the user interface, and increases efficiency by streamlining policy review. Improved accessibility allows for better compatibility on desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Digital traffic control sign
Techno Signz, a Canadian-based technology and signs company, has just released the world’s first auto-dimming digital piloting sign, called the Digi Pilot Sign. It has a 175-meter viewing distance, completely controllable through smartphone application and a self-reacting message board, which dims when oncoming traffic is within a 100-meter range, seeking to create safer roads. Conventional traffic control signs resort to static or back-lit signage. The Digi Pilot Sign is easily updatable via the app, creating customized messages that are instantly apparent to road users. A greater viewing distance allows road users more time to prepare and be alert.
Multimedia helmet display for motorcycle riders
California-based development company NUVIZ has developed the multimedia Head-Up Display for motorcycle riders. In collaboration with NUVIZ, the German helmet manufacturer SCHUBERTH will be offering the NUVIZ Head-Up Display (HUD) in the spring of 2018 with a specially designed SCHUBERTH helmet mount. As a result, the HUD needs no cables and is easy to use with the SCHUBERTH C4 and R2 helmets. The HUD is fully compatible with SCHUBERTH’s SC1 communications system—an integrated plug-and-play communications system from SENA, enabling communications, such as phone calls or navigational information, to be presented directly on the Head-Up Display. In addition, SCHUBERTH will also be offering the HUD for its C3Pro and C3 helmets in conjunction with the SC10U communications system.
WhatsApp extractions
Oxygen Forensic Detective X has added two industry-first features in the algorithm of WhatsApp data extraction. WhatsApp backs up decryption with two-step verification, which is an optional feature that was added to provide better security to the account. When enabled, any attempt to verify the phone number on a WhatsApp account needs to be accompanied by the six-digit PIN created by the user. The first feature, the new Oxygen Forensic Cloud Extractor, offers either the opportunity to enter the PIN (if it’s known) or several methods to deactivate it. Secondly, Oxygen Forensics has added a special Whats-App Cloud service that allows forensics experts to acquire undelivered messages, unanswered calls, and information about groups and contacts directly from the WhatsApp server. This service is useful in specific cases with damaged or locked devices. When forensic experts use the WhatsApp Cloud service, they can even obtain access to the WhatsApp server without the phone.
Enhanced training mannequin
Dummies Unlimited, Inc., introduces its new Survivor II. Some unique features of the Survivor II include leg portion, thigh, and back coated with a Kevlar reinforced material for extended abrasive resistance, allowing use on concrete or asphalt; water resistance; and flexibility to be placed in a sitting, lying, supine, or prone position. It is available in various weights. Its new design eliminates the bolted “joints” on the hip and knee areas, and it is designed with removable and replaceable foot “booties.”
Terror alert app
TerrorMate, the world’s first terror alert app, developed by TerrorTech LLC, is expanding its user alert capabilities to include mass shootings. The real-time system with well-established terror attack and threat alerting capabilities will now deliver structured, accurate mass shooting alerts and safety recommendations to its users within two minutes of an attack anywhere in the world. The free app alerts users to incident-specific information such as location of the shooting event, number of reported perpetrators, areas to avoid, and number of casualties. Its comprehensive crisis communication and mass notification solution unifies all channels, supporting communication and collaboration during critical events. TerrorMate can be downloaded for free from the iTunes app store and the Google Play store.
