Law enforcement gets an upgrade

If you spot several cops sitting around a table at Starbucks with laptop computers, they probably aren’t goofing around on the Internet.

More likely, they’re working.

Those rugged wireless computers, made by Spokane Valley-based General Dynamics Itronix, are one of local law enforcement’s latest high-tech tools. Police say such technological devices help them be more efficient and accurate and maximize their manpower.

Police have used technology like GPS systems and dashboard video for several years, but now they can also choose from newer technology, such as electronic traffic ticketing and Go Books, the wireless computers.

But it’s spotty which agencies – Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department or Washington State Patrol – have which technological gadgets. While the Washington State Patrol is the only agency with dashboard cameras, only three patrol cars are currently equipped with the capability. A car driven by a WSP trooper acquitted last week on accusations that he forced two women to expose themselves wasn’t one of the three, WSP officials said.

Officials say more than 75 percent of the funding for the equipment comes from grants.

On Monday, for example, Spokane police announced they will seek more than $4 million in federal grants, for both the city and county and earmarked for technology improvements and purchases.

Spokane City Councilwoman Mary Verner said if the money didn’t come from grants, officials would have to choose between personnel and technology.

Spokane Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said that with technology advancing rapidly, it’s a question of what’s the best investment and when. Should law enforcement officials purchase what’s available now or wait for what’s on the horizon?

Benny Austin, WSP’s fleet and logistics manager, said one soon-to-be released technology is voice-activated lights, sirens and radios – so officers never have to take their hands off the wheel.

Another is badge cameras, created by a company named ActionDVR. According to a CBS report published in January, a police department in New York began testing a prototype of the unobtrusive camera earlier this year.

Here’s a look at what’s being used right now:

E-tickets

What is it? Electronic ticketing allows traffic officers to use a scanner to obtain information from the bar code on the back of a driver’s license. The license information is automatically uploaded to a computer and the officer fills in a few blanks, such as the specific traffic violation. The ticket prints out on an in-car or back-of-a-motorcycle printer.

Also, the system allows an officer at the scene of a collision to draw diagrams of the crash using the software program.

Why use it? It takes about two minutes to issue a traffic ticket instead of eight or 10 minutes. It’s also more accurate because the error potential associated with handwriting is removed. The tickets are sent automatically to the corresponding court if it is equipped to receive electronic citations. Currently, only Spokane County District Court has the capability to receive the e-tickets in Eastern Washington, according to the WSP.

Who has it? The Washington State Patrol has 15 electronic ticketing devices in Spokane County. In Idaho, the Post Falls Police Department uses e-ticketing. The Spokane Police Department is working on implementing the program into its traffic and patrol units. The agency has some of the equipment, but is waiting for the Municipal Court to come online, which is necessary for the e-ticketing system.

Cost: The e-ticketing and e-collision program software is free. The printers are $425 each and bar-code scanners are $390 each.

Rugged laptop computers

What is it? These portable laptop computers replace the mobile data computers, or MDCs, previously mounted in police patrol cars. The laptops are updated daily with information about suspects, criminals and local, state and federal wanted lists. MDCs, which provided information from a law-enforcement database, were updated sporadically.

Officers can fill out incident reports on the computers rather than having to go back to the office to complete paperwork. Reports are sent wirelessly to Spokane County Superior Court and to the police records department. The computer is connected to a statewide database where officers can look up people to see if they have records in other parts of the state. The MDC did not have that ability.

Why use it? Officers can take the laptops with them to do work while they wait for a suspect to be processed or treated at a hospital. Also, no more leafing through piles of papers to find out the latest about criminals who are wanted on warrants; it’s available on the laptops. It wasn’t on the MDC. Officers can look up current mug shots even if a person was just booked into jail the night before. Software for the e-ticketing and e-collision works on the rugged laptops.

“It’s a force multiplier,” said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. “It makes us more efficient.”

Who has it? Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are all using the rugged laptops.

Cost: About $5,500 each, including software.

Dashboard cameras

What is it? A camera mounted on the inside of a patrol car that records an officer’s actions. The camera begins recording as soon as a car’s emergency lights are activated, or it can be turned on manually. When an incident – such as a traffic stop or a pursuit – has ended, the recording is turned off. A number shown on the video monitor correlates with each recording. The older cameras are VHS; the new ones are digital and can be transferred to computers.

Why use it? Having the recording protects the trooper as well as a citizen, if there are any discrepancies over what happened during an encounter. They’re also used for training.

Said WSP Capt. Jeff Otis: “They always say a picture is worth a thousand words. And it’s true.”

Who has it? Washington State Patrol is the only agency with dashboard cameras. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is trying to secure money for the devices, through grants or other means. Spokane police used to have them, but the video equipment wore out. New digital dashboard cameras will eventually be phased in.

Cost: The current VHS cameras in WSP patrol cars are about $3,700 each. The new digital cameras, which are beginning to be installed in cars in Western Washington, cost about $7,800.

GPS

What is it? Stands for Global Positioning System. Satellite technology lets police dispatchers see where patrol units are at any time by looking at a computer screen. Dispatchers can then send the nearest available officers to a call or emergency.

Some GPS systems also give engine diagnostics, such as gas mileage, average speed and engine temperature. Other units can be used by officers to obtain directions and maps.

Why use it? It’s an efficient way for emergency dispatchers to know where their resources are.

Who has it? Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is the only agency with GPS.

Cost: At least $450 to $475 per patrol car.