Wi-Fi Crime Fighters

Cellular carriers are now pushing faster technologies–third-generation networks–for police departments that use wireless systems to check IDs and vehicle license plates, but such networks are not fast enough for case records or photos.Futurist (06/03) Vol. 37, No. 3, P. 40; Stephens, Gene So the Post Falls, Idaho, police are using Wi-Fi wireless technology, which is both faster and cheaper than cellular. Post Falls has covered over 50 square miles with access points, which give roaming officers 90 percent availability, according to Lt. Scot Haug.Futurist (06/03) Vol. 37, No. 3, P. 40; Stephens, Gene The 23 access points have a 5-mile range depending on terrain. Haug is taking advantage of the amount of bandwidth available and is implementing remote-controlled video cameras, voice over IP, and email for use in patrol cars.Futurist (06/03) Vol. 37, No. 3, P. 40; Stephens, Gene The department has enabled the built-in encryption in the network to keep out unauthorized users and is making use of other kinds of security as well. Futurist (06/03) Vol. 37, No. 3, P. 40; Stephens, Gene Network Group implemented the network, and director Mel Nottage says that because police must be able to audit communications, NetMotion Wireless’ Mobility management and security suite was implemented to deal with roaming between access points and to keep a fixed IP address for roaming users.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the CIO (07/01/03); Gruman, Galen.