Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's)

[DepDog]

Our MDT's get the same info also, but we have run into instances that if you have a common name such as Jones, Johnson or Smith our MDT's won't shall all the information, I believe its limited to 50 hits on our screen.

So we out of policy run it through dispatch, that way its recorded on the radio in case of any computer errors, which have happened in the past. Just a CYA kind of thing I guess.

[gdowkpc]

We alreadt have CAD and it is definately nice.

We have the same info as dispatchers do with warrants, but they must ALWAYS be confirmed with the originating county's records division. There is a huge liability if you take someone to jail when there is a human error on entry. Some warrants may not have been removed from the computer database by human error.

I've never had that happen, but I guess the confirmation check puts the terd in the pocket of the county records clerk.

[DepDog]

Oh yes I always confirm a warrant when its held by a different police agency. We pickup on 99% of our warrants even for a simple traffic ticket that does not get paid. Today I went and picked up two subjects on warrants. Even got to drive to Flint where the owner of this site works today.

[Stump]

Supposedly, we've don't have to confirm warrant hits with the originating agency, but we do. We require "paper in hand" confirmation. I can only think of one instance where the records dept couldn't find the paper - he was released.
Dep, you'll love CAD. I have no idea how your system now works, but this way, you'll get to see where the person is calling from, their phone number, and every single detail put on the job. You can also do a history on your patrol car for that day for your log sheet.

[gdowkpc]

I would guess that your's would be the same, but it also includes the Thomas Guide map reference for the address. This was handy when I was new. It still helps when I need to do follow up at an address out of my precinct. We have areas of town where it is near impossible to find where you are going without a map (areas in the hills that aresn't a grid pattern).

It also shows the high block and low block cross streets. That is also helpful for those streets that don't go all the way through. You know the closest intersecting streets. If there is only one interesting street, you know that the street is a cul-de-sac or a dead end and can only be approached from one direction. definately cuts down on frustration.

You could go one up like the LAPD and have full color maps on your MDC to help you go where you are going. I don't know if they have GPS or not, but I suppose if they did the computer could tell you how to get there.

[Warren]

OUr local PDs have been using the toughbooks for about 2 years now.

They love them! In recent ride-a-longs I have seen it in action...the ability to do CPIC(Canadian Police Information Center), CNI(Criminal Name Index), and any local record checks.

As well the new software allows the retreaval of full reports, DL and Registration info. As well as mugshot retreaval.

Apparantly, the new drivers licence system will allow officers to view the drivers licence photo of anyone who may not be carrying a license with them at time of stop.

That combined with many many other accesses to information, like local maps/directions, "dog run" parks, telephone directory for the city offices, and even more coming soon.

It is an unlimited medium for police.

[aussie1]

Wow,

I just worked on a new car we got at out station. I turned on the MDT expecting the slow almost useless computer we usually have but I found they have updated them.

We now have COPS (Computerised Operational Policing System), Dispatch, Street directory, email and even a copy of the TELEPHONE BOOK!!!!! It was awesome to copy a job, look up the address, send an email to the station staff asking what they want for dinner and then look up the phone number for the take away chinese shop all at the same time!!!!

These things are fast too. They use GPRS (cell phone technology I think) and are pretty reliable.

[atoyot]

I'm new to this board and wish to express my deepest respect for those who serve our communities. I have a question about the frequency of accidents in patrol cars or other first-responder vehicles that are equipped with data terminals.

What brought this about is that I'm in a discussion on another forum (unrelated to law enforcement) discussing the NTSB's recommendation that states outlaw texting and hand-held cell phone use. Some of the nay-sayers are arguing to the effect, "...but...but...LOOK! The police use Computers in their cars, doesn't that cause accidents?"

My position is the obvious one: You officers out there are professionals and the MDT is but one part of a job that requires multitasking in so many other ways as well. Nonetheless, would anyone here care to offer a source or a cite that shows an accident rate for vehicles where the MDT was being used at the time? Or even a source that shows accidents involving first responders compared to those among the general public.

I know it's a bit abstract but I want to shut some people up, authoritatively, not through pure conjecture.

Be safe.

[marinepilot]

I'm new to this board and wish to express my deepest respect for those who serve our communities. I have a question about the frequency of accidents in patrol cars or other first-responder vehicles that are equipped with data terminals.

atoyot, first off, welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle.

Secondly, we have a kind of unwritten rule here at RP, and that is let sleeping threads lie. This thread has not had any new posts for OVER 7 YEARS! I understand you have a question, but please begin a new thread in the appropriate forum for it and don't resurrect anymore (very) long dead discussions.

I'm closing this one now so it can RIP.

Try heading to our New Member Introductions forum also, and posting a thread telling us a bit about yourself, such as age, where you are, and some interests.

Thanks, marinepilot