NCJ Number
203179
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 52,54,57
Date Published
October 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides an update on the status of Project 54, a collaboration between the New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to build interoperability between public safety agencies.
Abstract
Project 54 is most notable for the creation of Consolidated Advanced Technologies (CAT) that integrate cruiser controls into a voice-operated unit that allows multiple mobile units to be integrated across wireless connections. With research complete, the article reports on the progress of Project 54 on the road; 6 officers have been field testing the systems for just over a year and deployment of 100 additional Project 54 cruisers is slated for the end of 2003. The article describes how Project 54 put as much information as possible on a cruiser’s computer, eliminating the necessity of accessing a central database for pertinent information. Wireless local area network (WLAN) access points have been set up where officers can download updated information to their cruiser computers and upload noncritical information into the central database, such as reports. Project 54 is also researching a PDA system which will allow officers to access their cruiser functions while they are away from their vehicles. The article goes on to discusses the importance of building flexibility into Project 54 developments so that as technology changes, Project 54 improvements can be integrated with newer technologies. Feedback on Project 54 by officers in the field has been extremely positive, even as the software continues to evolve. The article explores possible future incarnations of Project 54 technology and how to make such technology widely accessible to public safety agencies.