Police officers are on the front lines every day, protecting and serving their communities. For this reason, they are well-equipped with an array of gadgets to assist them in fulfilling their duties. Beyond the traditional tools of baton, handcuffs and gun, police are now utilizing high-tech devices that further ensure their safety — and that of the public — when out in the field. These devices, connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabled through a 4G LTE network, engender more transparency among officers and their department heads.
To ensure close and accurate monitoring of theses IoT connected tools, a fast, secure and reliable two-way connection between the device and the center where they are being monitored is vital. Optimized LTE chipsets can provide this, as well as long-lasting battery life for extended periods in the field.
Here are just a few examples of technologies that can be paired with reliable and low-cost LTE chipsets to help improve the level of policing in the United States:
Video streaming: With the year 2015 full of controversial reports to police brutality, the importance of video evidence has become clear, especially since 86.4 percent of officers believe that the use of body-worn cameras would reduce false claims of brutality. When an officer is in the field, the video stream from their car or body camera must be clearly and quickly transmitted to the receiver in case of an emergency that calls for real-time intervention. The video recording would also prove invaluable for review of incidents after the fact. A department head, judge or anyone else is involved in overseeing police activity could reference the video for evidence. In this way, the latest LTE chipsets help to ensure the safety of officers and civilians alike.
Analytics: The use of analytics within police forces can assist with crime fighting on two fronts. By providing insights on data collected regarding crime times, locations and perpetrators, police will be able to better deliver protection to citizens. Analytics will also lead to a more transparent and effective police force. Collecting data from body sensors worn by officers will give way to statistics pertaining to a range of criteria, including physical work capacity, weapon use and stress levels.
Smart guns: Yes, the IoT has made even its way to firearms. A new smart gun by Yardarm enables commanding officers to track a great number of statistics revolving around gun use. The sensor, located in the handgrip, tracks the time a gun is unholstered, the number of shots fired and the location of the shooting. It can even pinpoint the direction that the gun is pointed when it goes off. This innovative use of technology will improve transparency into police activity. The embedded LTE chipset will also provide additional safety for officers in the line of duty by guaranteeing a quick and reliable real-time connection so that backup can be sent if needed.
As police officers increasingly utilize new technology to help them to serve and protect their communities, that technology must be up to standard. Optimized LTE chipsets will provide a secure, reliable and cost effective method of connecting these multiple devices.