While the President’s announcement highlighted the urgent need for mobile broadband for all Americans as a way to ensure global competitiveness, those in the public sector in particular have received the news extremely well. Many of these agencies, because of limited adoption and budget constraints to date, have been forced to resort to the use of legacy  communications systems, such as two-way radios, for example, which offer only extremely limited capabilities.  In today’s fast-paced, technologically-advanced world, this type of communication is inadequate, decreases effectiveness and delays response time during emergencies.  Because of this, public sector officials have viewed the latest news as a welcome, and, much needed, call to action for their industry.

According to a recent report by Bharat Book Bureau about the public safety wireless broadband market, The report states that, “wireless broadband is essential [for public safety officials] for addressing mission-critical needs requiring high data throughput for applications such as video surveillance, automated vehicle license plate recognition, biometric identification, mobile crime scene units and mobile incident command…”

So, for those who work in the Public Sector, how will 4G benefit you?  Whether you work for a fire department, a police department, or for a school, 4G is expected to provide significant benefits, including, but certainly not limited to:

• Better efficiency, increased mobility and improved job performance overall: With greater mobility, increased security and larger data storage capabilities, work performance and output production improves.
• Increased data rates:  Allows for greater capacity of data storage and even enables video applications, information that can be vitally important to officers in the field.
• Improved multipath and power performance: Minimizes intra-cell multiuser interference, thereby guarantee the securing of confidential information.

Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, is one example of a school that is already bridging the digital divide.  Earlier this year, the university deployed a wireless network to extend broadband coverage throughout the campus, and even into the city itself.  The next-generation network not only provides high speed broadband access to those students who live off-campus, but it also offers businesses and other public service users with the access and mobility needed for them to successfully live and work more efficiently.

In response to this revolution, technology developers have already introduced a variety of products that have built in 4G, or optional 4G broadband access.   Panasonic is one such company.  The Panasonic Toughbook computers, including the new Android^TM-powered Toughpad business tablet, are built with optional integrated 4G mobile broadband access, which enablers public safety officials to access data faster and from remote areas, keeps their information safe and secure, and overall enables them to more efficiently and productively perform their important duties.

Tell us what benefits 4G will have for you and your organizations!

Captain Bill Richards of the Tucson Police Department was on hand and discussed his department’s endeavors towards greater efficiency and continued technological advancement (primary industry objectives shared throughout the field). The Captain stressed the importance of agencies taking an active role in thoroughly researching and testing solutions they are considering.  Essentially, there is a universal desire to ensure optimum safety and security, while also achieving the greatest level of efficiency. However, if the effort to vet the solutions is not properly executed, time and budget will quickly be lost and the effectiveness of operations will suffer. Additionally, the Captain also shared his thoughts on the value that comes with implementing innovative technologies, drawing focus to the rapid evolution of technology. It is critical that agencies look to deploy cutting edge solutions that are forward thinking in their functionality, thus ensuring officers don’t find themselves with a device that is out of date, lacking in the capabilities that it offers.

In addition to engaging in dialogue on the topics that are top-of-mind with the law enforcement industry, Panasonic’s Dave Poulin also lead a widely-attended discussion alongside Brad Brewer of the Vancouver Police Department, on prospective mobile computing deployments for the new generation of police vehicles. PSC also showcased a number of exciting solutions at the event, including the recently-introduced Toughbook 53 semi-rugged notebook, and we were excited to offer live demonstrations of the Toughbook Arbitrator 360° solution for in-car mobile digital video, as well as the brand new Arbitrator InterView evidence management system.

Booth 109 was overflowing with mission critical solutions. A big thanks to all those who visited the PSC team at LEIM – and for those of you who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next year!

For a selection of pictures from this year’s LEIM, visit our Flickr page

Read more about how Tucson PD is utilizing the rugged Toughbook U1 to increase officer safety and efficiency here, and see below for a video about Tucson PD’s deployment as well.

This trend has been gradually progressing for awhile, but is now becoming the standard, as noted in a recent Athens Banner-Herald article.  Instead of sending out radio transmissions that allow all officers to hear the dispatches, the Athens-Clarke officers are now receiving location information and duty instructions via messages on their laptop screens.

Another example is the Philadelphia Police Department, which has started dispatching accident calls over their in-car laptops instead of using the radio in order to stop wreck-chasers from listening in on their broadcasts.

The growing prevalence of mobile wireless broadband has made widespread in-car laptop communication possible; in particular, Gobi™ mobile broadband that allows officers to have a reliable connection wherever cell phones can be used.  Now, police officers have the functionality of their laptops to communicate from almost anywhere.

We are eager to learn how you’re using in-car mobile computers to communicate, so leave a comment and let us know.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Attorney General Eric Holder and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer

Our nation’s police officers take great risks, and make extraordinary sacrifices, in order to keep America’s streets safe. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. This week’s groundbreaking of the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC formally kicked off an important project to help our citizens honor the fallen, as well as the tireless contributions of everyone who wears a badge.

Scheduled to open in late 2013, the 55,000-square-foot institution will be a world-class experiential Museum with high-tech interactive exhibitions, including a vast collection of law enforcement artifacts and dedicated spaces for research and education. It was conceptualized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a private non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public support for law enforcement by honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers; and to promoting officer safety.

Every day, Panasonic Solutions Company works closely with thousands of police departments around the country, and the dedication of law enforcement officials has continually inspired us. We believe the National Law Enforcement Museum is a meaningful tribute to their service, and have donated $1 million to assist with its construction.

It has been an honor to partner with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and help make the National Law Enforcement Museum a reality. I can’t wait for the Grand Opening.

The PDRC works seamlessly with other Toughbook mobile computers, providing a secure and ergonomic system for transferring mission-critical data in the field.  In addition, the PDRC also helps broaden the functionality of ultra-mobile devices to include activities like writing detailed reports.  Public safety users also have the ability to mount the PDRC independently from the connected Toughbook mobile computer for easy viewing and access.

Take a look at this recent post for more info about how one agency, the Tulsa Police Department, is utilizing PDRCs with rugged Toughbook U1 handhelds.   If you’re attending the APCO International Annual Conference in Houston next week, be sure to stop by the Panasonic booth (#923) to see the new PDRC as well.

With a new football season around the corner, the Parking Services Department for Texas Tech University (TTU) faced a serious problem. During the previous season, parking lots surrounding the 52,000-seat Jones AT&T Stadium had been regularly accessed by cars without proper passes, because duplicates were difficult to identify. Complaints from alumni unable to park even with legitimate passes were getting louder.

Much of TTU’s issues could be traced to the limitations of its enforcement officers’ handheld computers. They were difficult to operate, couldn’t be used in the rain, and were easily damaged when dropped. Battery life was short, requiring someone to constantly seek out and replace dead units throughout game days. Without wireless connectivity, there was also no way to track usage in real time.

As the second-largest contiguous university campus in the United States, TTU has 30,000 students and covers more than 1,800 acres. More than a quarter of Parking Services’ $4 million annual revenue is derived from citations, and the university needed reliable technology and rapid information-sharing to ensure it could document each infraction – especially during home football games.

Building a Solution with Versatile Ultra-Mobile PCs
After extensive testing, TTU decided to equip enforcers with the Panasonic Toughbook® U1, an extremely rugged ultra-portable computer with a 5.6” sunlight-viewable screen. With a six-foot drop rating and IP65-certified protection from dust and moisture, the U1 could be counted on to work in any condition.

“We were very impressed with the U1’s rugged capabilities, and the ability to run a full Windows Vista operating system enabled us to quickly develop a custom application for enforcers,” said Stephen Lambert, Manager of Information Systems for TTU Parking Services. “We utilized the U1’s built-in barcode scanner and touchscreen to create an easy-to-use program ensuring every car was accounted for and verified.”

Using the U1’s embedded mobile broadband capabilities and AT&T’s wireless network, TTU set its devices to automatically synch with their servers every five minutes. From a central control room, they were then able to monitor exactly how full each parking lot was as well as  battery life and network status for each U1 being used.

“We had a much more positive response from football fans parking on campus this season, thanks in no small part to the solution we rolled out with the Toughbook U1s,” said Eric Crouch, Managing Director of TTU Parking Services. “We have since deployed U1s to parking enforcers patrolling campus on a year-round basis, and are seeing valuable returns through more efficient and effective processes.”

View the TTU Parking Services U1 case study:

Additional mobile enforcement case studies for the Public Sector can be found here.

Cpl. Will Dalsing with Toughbook U1 and PDRC (Photo Credit: JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World)

The Tulsa Police Department recently began implementing Toughbook U1 rugged ultra-mobile computers running a full Windows operating system as a more portable and efficient option.  When paired with the Toughbook PDRC in their vehicles, Tulsa now has the ability to work effectively from any location.

Take a look at Tulsa Police Department’s story from a recent Tulsa World article discussing their jump to ultra-mobile solutions. We’re also very interested in hearing from first responders about your own deployment stories.

Given all of the attention on this issue, The New York Times decided to take a look at distracted driving in public safety vehicles. The story, while ultimately pointing to the value of technology, shared a few somewhat sensational anecdotes that suggest the risks of in-vehicle computing are potentially greater than the reward. Panasonic knows, based on the experience of thousands of our customers, that this is simply not the case.

Panasonic Toughbook computers safely mounted in vehicle docks have become essential for thousands of our law enforcement and public safety customers, enabling them to access and transmit critical data while in the field. While specific usage policies are the responsibility of our customers, Panasonic encourages safe driving habits and promotes the use of our devices and solutions in a responsible manner.

The article points out that “data does not exist about crashes caused by police officers or medics distracted by their devices,” and we are not aware of any incidents or accidents related to the use of our products in vehicles. However, we do know that vehicle-mounted Panasonic Toughbook computers have become essential for thousands of our law enforcement and public safety customers, enabling them to access and transmit critical data and to more safely navigate their jobs.  Having real-time data about stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants and criminal records, for example, helps officers approach situations with the appropriate level of caution.

Panasonic’s commitment to safety has always been an impetus for technology advancements in our mobile computing solutions. That is why we have developed screens that can be both ultra-bright for daylight situations and concealed at night; wireless connectivity that ensures optimal throughput for data availability and situational awareness; solutions that automate processes—such as e-citations and license plate recognition—to minimize the amount of time public safety personnel have to spend at the roadside; and hands-free triggers for digital video solutions.

As the Department of Transportation continues to evaluate the risks associated with in-cab technology, we hope that media will continue to responsibly educate the public about the true value vehicle-based computing can bring.

Clearly, any safety-related incident is unacceptable. Working with our customers and partners on ongoing training and technology enhancements, we believe the rewards will continue to outweigh the risks. What are your thoughts on this issue?

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Related Links

• Police Chief: Maryland’s Pursuit of the Paperless Patrol Car: Using Mobile Technology to Foster Interagency Collaboration and Improve Officer Safety
• Wall Street Journal: FDNY Goes Multimedia
• Indianapolis Star: Laptops in ambulances boost emergency care
• Toughbook.com: EMS Responders Use Mobile Technology for Efficient and Accurate Patient Care
• Toughbloggers: Introducing the Toughbook Arbitrator 360°

Police officers are welcoming the ability to “show our view and our side of what’s going on,” according to a San Jose officer testing out a new head-mounted video camera. High-resolution digital video offers clearer audio/visual evidence than the often grainy cell phone videos used to incriminate police officers.  The quality of evidence from digital in-car cameras, even set at the lowest resolution, compression and frame rate, are still better than most cell phones and VHS tapes.

A 2008 white paper from Larstan Business Reports (commissioned by Panasonic) explored digital in-car video for police officers and the enhanced security and broadened scope of information they provide.  Using Panasonic’s Arbitrator 360° system, police dispatchers can monitor each patrol car from headquarters, and in turn quickly spot when an officer is in need of support. Dispatchers can even zoom and increase the frames-per-second remotely to enhance video details.

Agencies using the Arbitrator 360° can activate up to 16 triggers to automatically start video recording, such as when the speedometer hits a certain speed, the sirens turn on, car doors open or impact is detected. This allows officers to focus all their attention outside the vehicle, knowing that evidence is being captured without their direct involvement.

To help eliminate room for interpretation in courtroom proceedings, police departments should seek to capture the clearest and most comprehensive picture of their activities.  By developing the most advanced digital video technology and secure evidence management, Panasonic strives to increase transparency and provide unambiguous evidence for the courtroom.