Computerization and Wireless Police Communication, Essay Example

Technology is a critical component of law enforcement communication. While technology has increase the competitive edge for most businesses and organizations, technology in the law enforcement community is often a matter of life and death. Historically, law enforcement relied on a paper-based system as a means of communicating, documenting criminal activity, maintaining information regarding location and events as well as preserving information regarding criminals and victims. Today, however, technology sources such as computerization and wireless devices have almost extinguished a paper-based procedure in police communities around the country.

Computer technology and wireless communication in the law enforcement community has served as the primary sources for police communication. Today, most all police vehicles are equipped with MDTs or Mobile Data Terminals. In addition to being able to check license plates and driver’s license information using a mobile data terminal, the terminal also comes equipped with a GPS or Global Positioning System. The GPS device allows dispatch to see where the police officer is located at all times which includes maintaininglocation and communication with the officer during a pursuit. It also allows dispatch to immediately send backup to the officer’s location in the event of an emergency. The officer also has the option to press the emergency button located on the MDT should the officer need assistance.

Mobile communication is essential to police communication. Wireless communication via cell phone or two-way radios also serves as a communication source for police officers. Both the two-way radio and the wireless cell phone receive and transmit radio waves in order to provide fast communication responses. While the two-way radio primarily serves as voice transaction, the wireless cell phone can be used to send and receive alerts regarding criminal activity and disastrous alerts.

“Routine police work requires effective coordination and communication with other policeagencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, and public service organizations” (U.S. Department of Justice, 1998).Communicating via a secured transmission source is critical to the protection and safety of police officers and the community. While additional forms of communication such as police scanners, pagers, the internet and basic landline phones are used, these sources may not be the preferred form of communication.

Reference

S. Department of Justice. (1998). State and Local Law Enforcement Wireless Communications and Interoperability: A Quantitative Analysis. Retrieved July 5, 2011 from web:http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/168961.pdf