Feature articles in this issue of TechBeat acquaint officers with the language of "social media," basic information on body-worn cameras for law enforcement work, meth lab training for first responders, and the features of a prototype portable license plate recognition (LPR) system.
"Learning to Speak Social Media" describes the development of a training program in social media policy by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. It acquaints police managers with the proper uses of online social media (Facebook, Twitter, You Tube) and the pitfalls to avoid. "Primer on Body-Worn Cameras for Law Enforcement" presents an overview of a pending publication of this title produced by the Sensor, Surveillance and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence. The publication develops the argument that body-worn cameras (placed on helmets, glasses, or badges, etc.) can provide valuable evidence in recording situations related to emergency responses. "Meth Lab Training for First Responders" presents an overview of a training program which instructs first responders in how to recognize materials used in a meth lab, along with actions first responders should take after identifying such materials. "Prototype Portable LPR System Provides Options" describes the features and benefits of a prototype license plate reading (LPR) system that uses a traffic trailer similar to those portable trailers used to show motorists their speed when approaching the trailer. The system reduces personnel time used in LPR work and uses solar power as an energy source, thus providing a portable, cost-efficient use of LPR technology. In addition to the featured articles, a technology news summary is provided in "TECH shorts."