TECHBeat, September/October 2015

• NCJ Number: 249253
• Journal: Techbeat Dated: September/October 2015 Pages: 1-26
• Date Published: October 2015
• Length: 26 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical); Report (Technical Assistance); Program/Project Description

Annotation

Feature articles address gunshot residue analysis, a school emergency screencast application for emergency dispatch, a program that uses technology to enhance bike safety, and a technology that helps agencies save time and money on purchases.

Abstract

"Gunshot Residue Analysis Featured in New FTCoE Report Series" announces the availability for download of "Organic Gunshot Residue Analysis for Potential Shooter Determinationon the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) website. It distills the results of two phases of evaluation and several lengthy reports into what FTCoE plans as the first in a new series that will present key research and evaluation components and findings on gunshot residue analysis. "School Emergency Screencast Application an 'Eye Opener' for Emergency Dispatch" describes the features of an "app" that ties together a school's existing camera system, the city's fiber optic network, ultra high-speed bandwidth, and gunshot sensor technology to provide a live feed to emergency dispatch in the event of an active shooter incident. "Technology Used To Enhance Bike Safety Program" describes a program in Chattanooga, TN, in which police use ultrasonic sensor technology to help enforce a Tennessee State law that requires motorists to provide no less than 3 feet of clearance when passing bicyclists. The portable technology is mounted on bike handle-bars and uses an ultrasonic sensor to calculate the distance between a passing car and a bicycle. The device displays the distance in inches and beeps an alarm if the vehicle comes within 36 inches of the bike. A GoPro camera, which is purchased separately, records the vehicle passing and the inches display. "Technology Helps Agencies Save Time, Money on Purchases" describes a technology that offers ease of access to purchase information submitted by participating agencies. Agencies can learn who has bought what from which vendor and for how much.