IUPD to receive tech upgrade

In times of emergency, saving every second is critical and now the IU Police Department can cut out every wasteful one with a new text-based wireless communication system they are set to install. The new technology allows texts and more in a new software and hardware upgrade that will be implemented in squad cars in the coming weeks.\nThe BioKey Mobile Cop software IUPD has obtained is multi-functional. It allows wireless conferencing among the dispatch center and all six of IUPD's squad cars, in addition to instant access to crime databases.\nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said the goal is to get the software and laptops implemented before move-in begins August 23. \n"We're extremely excited about it," Minger said. "Mainly because it's going to free up our dispatch to do other things. Now everyone in the field can do computer work on their own. It's fantastic."\nSquad cars now have instant access to national and state crime files which Minger said, "holds a multiplicity of functionality." He explained that under the old system squad cars had to call in to dispatch, tie them up as they looked for files and then radio back to the car. He said once the software is implemented, the whole process can be done right in the squad car.\nMinger said in the past a "half duplex" radio system existed where only one person can transmit, which left the line tied up during critical times. Now with two-way text messaging and radios for back-up, the message should always get through.\nOutdoor hot spots "aren't pervasive enough," so the station is using Verizon air cards, which function identically to wireless Internet cards in laptops. The squad cars will have access to the information wherever they go, staying on the same wireless carrier.\nHardware and software have arrived with the IUPD, but Minger said there is a slight hold-up and he hopes it will be working by the Aug. 23 dorm move-in. He said he plans to call University Information Technology Services to see why it is taking so long. \n"The piece of the puzzle holding up implementation is that it has to work across a wireless system," Minger said.\nThere are still ways to ensure that officers know when an important alarm is coming through, alerting them of an emergency. If a signal is sent from dispatch, an alarm sounds so officers in the cars know to look at their computers. \nMinger said there is some concern about the computer interfering with the officer's driving, but said it is not much more of an issue than driving with a cell phone. \nHe said there are plans to do a data transfer with the Bloomington Police Department, which has a similar system. The new system had Minger giving thanks to all who made the new equipment possible, as he expressed "so much praise and gratitude to the (IU) vice president's office."\nHis anticipation over the new text messaging feature was coupled by his assurance of how safe and secure the new "tough book" laptops are.\n"They're waterproof, you can drop them from six feet up, freeze them, do whatever you want and they won't break," Minger said. "They're what the military uses"