NCJ Number
207839
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 184,186,189
Date Published
October 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the Lewiston, Idaho Police Department designed and installed their own mobile data computer (MDC) systems.
Abstract
When the Lewiston Police Department (LPD) recognized the need to expand its computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to its 14 patrol cars, they knew their budgetary restrictions would pose a problem. In an effort to save funding, the LPD gained approval to forgo a consultant and designed the MDC completely in-house. Patrol officers were involved in every aspect of the planning and extensive research was conducted via site visits with neighboring police departments. Once the specifications were in place, the LPD hired Correctional Industries to fabricate floor consoles to mount the MDC and radio head, saving even more money for the actual hardware. An RFP was created and a vendor was hired to build the system. Once completed, officers installed the equipment with the guidance of the vendor so that officers would know how to install and repair the equipment. The cutting-edge system allows for upgrades and new features, making it useful far into the future.