Not just for driving anymore

     The ShotSpotter GLS is based on wide-area acoustic surveillance comprised of three components - a network of acoustic sensors, the ShotSpotter Location Server and the ShotSpotter Public Safety Console (PSC) display software and user interface. When a gunshot or explosion occurs within a ShotSpotter GLS sensor network it detects, locates, identifies and classifies the sound in seconds. The ShotSpotter GLS then relays vital audio and visual incident information to the ShotSpotter PSC within seconds. As the user interface of the ShotSpotter GLS, the PSC marks the incident's location by placing a dot onto a scalable map image. It then plots the location of each shot, revealing direction of travel. Event audio is also available for playback. This allows users to determine event activity, including the number of shooters involved and rounds fired. The ShotSpotter Mobile Public Safety Console (PSC-Mobile) is the mobile user interface of the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System (GLS).

Where deployed: Oakland has the largest deployment and has been using the PSC-M the longest. Other cities deploying PSC-Mobile: Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis.

Cost: ShotSpotter sells its GLS in combination with professional services for deployment, configuration and end-user training. Customers can purchase PSC-Mobile with their initial purchase or as an add-on. Price is variable and determined by the customer's coverage area and number of PSC and PSC-Mobile.

3. Technology at hand

SoMo 650 (Handheld computer)
Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7

     The SoMo 650 handheld device operates like a large-display PDA. Running either Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6.0 Classic operating system, it provides a platform that allows flexible application compatibility within a familiar computing environment. It can be paired with a variety of peripheral devices, including barcode and RFID scanners, card scanners and flash cards for increased functionality. One of the key peripherals paired with the SoMo 650 is the Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7. The CHS has a built-in Bluetooth wireless connection that easily pairs with the SoMo 650 for additional data gathering. The durable CHS also includes Error Proof Protocol to ensure reliable communication over the Bluetooth link.

Where deployed: Most recently, the Socket SoMo 650 was deployed by German police for tracking vehicle speed on the autobahn, and the Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7 was deployed by Bender Enterprises for scanning VIN numbers to identify stolen vehicles.

Cost: SoMo 650: $695, CHS Series 7: $563.

4. Tell them to turn it down

HD600 Heavy Duty Datalogging
Sound Level Meter

     The HD600 accurately measures and logs ambient and directional sound levels, and is used to investigate complaints of noise ordinance violations at nightclubs, private residences, construction sites, automobile events, etc. Designed to be used virtually anywhere, the HD600 provides instantaneous sound level readings on a large, easy-to-read display. Additionally, datalogging capabilities permit patrol officers to record extended periods of time for documentation or analysis, or archive readings via USB to a PC. Extech offers NIST-certificate calibration with new HD600s, and re-calibration as needed.

Where deployed: Sold through third-party distributors; information not available.

Cost: Suggested retail is $499.99.

5. From phone to mobile PC

     The REDFLY Mobile Companion from Celio Corp. is a smartphone terminal with a large screen and full keyboard that lets officers use their Windows Mobile-compatible smartphones as if they were full-blown PCs. The REDFLY has no OS, CPU or storage of its own - everything still runs on the smartphone itself. A driver on the smartphone changed the output screen resolution to 800 by 480 pixels, giving the user more screen "real estate" on the 8-inch display. REDFLY links to the smartphone via a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth connection. Users can comfortably e-mail, read attachments, view Web sites, and use applications on their smartphones for greater productivity.

Where deployed: The Memphis Police Department, which purchased 1,200 units.

Cost: $199 after rebate for the REDFLY C7, and $299 for the RDFLY C8N.

6. Build your own information system

WebFOCUS Magnify

     The Erlanger (Kentucky) Police Department created an operational business intelligence system with integrated search capabilities and links to local law enforcement applications. The new info system combines current crime data from 19 government agencies to link formerly unrelated information about suspects, incidents, arrests and crimes. It also provides forces with a real-time view of incidents, arrests, 911 calls and other events throughout the dispatch area.