Government Units Aid Small City In Big Way

The local police department in Pratt, Kan., has installed a high-speed wireless Internet community network so its officers can have quick access to large files and Web-delivered information.

Capt. Steve Holmes says his force of 14 officers is better able to serve Pratt’s approximately 7,000 residents with the new community area network, which is complemented by a computer-aided dispatch and records management system.

The department decided to go with the wireless solution as opposed to a Cellular Digital Packet Data system because the 2.4 GHz band on which it operates is unlicensed and involves no recurring costs.

Broadband wireless also delivers data faster–helpful for large files such as mug shots–and even allows officers to use voice-over IP to make phone calls instead of heading back to the station to do so.

The system also could offer Web-based access to security cameras located at various businesses such as banks, and provides online access to state statutes and laws.

Holmes says water, airport, and civic center towers host the network antennas and other jurisdictions, such as the sheriff’s department, have expressed interest in using it. Once the base stations are in place, other government departments and government officials could also use the system.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from Government E-Business (02/20/03); Sarkar, Dibya .