San Diego police helos get secure Internet comms
San Diego Police Department helicopter pilots are to benefit from new technology that will help them to communicate with ground support units.
San Diego Police Department helicopter pilots are to benefit from new technology that will help them to communicate with ground support units. With police helicopters behind them ready for take-off, San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and representatives from AT&T showcased the new kit on 26 April. For the first time, the police helicopters will have access to a highly-secure, Internet-based network, giving them a more efficient way to conduct two-way communications and provide the GPS locations of the helicopters while in flight.
Mayor Faulconer said: “When police officers are protecting our communities, I want to make sure they have the best technology at their disposal. This idea came directly from our one of our officers and AT&T was enthusiastic about working with us to make it a reality. This now gives officers in the air powerful new tools to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
Previously, tactical flight officers onboard the helicopters were unable to access the Department’s computer-aided dispatch system, which provides officers on the ground with up-to-date information about evolving incidents, said the city authorities.
Chief Zimmerman explained: “With the help of AT&T, we’re able to bring innovation and efficiency to our City’s finest and improve services to all San Diegans. Our ‘Connected Copters’ are just the latest example of how we can make our city better through technology.”
The new technology can help officers locate and track the helicopters while airborne using the helicopter’s onboard GPS. It also logs and provides post-flight mission reporting, which includes helicopter coverage trails and flight paths to use in response to citizens’ noise complaints.
Chris Roy, vice-president, AT&T government and education, commented: “When it comes to public safety, communication is critical. With the San Diego Police Department, we saw a real opportunity to literally take our connectivity to new heights. We’re delivering the meaningful innovations they need to better serve the communities where we live and work.”
AT&T explained that the wireless LTE network and specially-designed, highly-secure Internet connectivity now lets the tactical flight officers wirelessly connect ruggedised tablets to police communications and dispatch systems while in the air. Upon completing their mission, airborne police can use the AT&T technology to follow-up on older or overdue calls. They can handle cases that rely on visual inspection like a damaged property or vehicle report, freeing up officers on the ground to respond to other calls.