NCJ Number
222223
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 86,88,89
Editor(s)
Mary Erpenbach
Date Published
January 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses cellular communications enhancement for law enforcement.
Abstract
Cellular telephones have significantly changed communications for law enforcement officers. Today, officers rely on cell phones for critical communications and everyday operations. An effective means of improving cellular communications for police and other emergency services personnel is to use products that enhance cellular services. Many law enforcement agencies use amplifiers and antennas to extend service into remote locations, improve the quality of voice and data communications, and reduce the number of dropped calls for critical communications. Increasingly, law enforcement officers are using mobile communications systems that provide real-time data management and reporting to police in squad cars in the field. Patrol officers use laptop computer systems to receive dispatch assignments, search records for criminal histories, verify license plates, and enter incident reports and traffic citations. Using wireless air cards to receive cellular signals, these laptop computers can help police perform better and make efficient use of their time in the field. With cellular enhancing equipment in place, law enforcement officials now have reliable cellular communications in the field and in the office, when and where they need it most.