NCJ Number
100984
Date Published
1986
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This review of the 10-year use (1976-86) of mobile communications terminals (MCT's) by the Las Vegas terminals (MCT's) by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Nevada) considers the advantages of MCT's, problems initially encountered, and subsequent efforts to resolve those problems. efforts to resolve those problems.
Abstract
The initial system consisted of a computer to support automated dispatch, complaint and dispatch consoles, command and control status displays, MCT's, and software programs to provide command and control functions. The MCT's provided digital communications between police field units, the dispatchers, and computer data bases. System advantages include automated event processing that provides faster, more efficient responses to community needs; the higher use of radio channels through the use of digital message transmissions; and reduction in personnel workloads. Problems initially encountered were congestion on the single dedicated duplex channel, unreadable displays under strong light, poor equipment performance under high temperatures, and a high component failure rate compounded by poor maintenance response from the vendor. This report describes the steps taken to replace the failing system with an upgraded system. This included designing a user friendly MCT. A summary of the lessons learned from the experience focuses on planning issues and maintenance considerations. The advantages of the system precluded the department from discarding the system concept. Illustrative diagrams, 6 footnotes, and 10-item bibliography.