Citation

Couret C. Am. City Cty. 1999; 114(9): 6 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

When a police officer stops a driver for speeding or other unlawful activity, he usually does not know exactly what kind of situation he is getting into. The person in the car could be a fleeing felon, a drug trafficker, or merely a careless driver. However, technology especially designed for public safety agencies can help law enforcement officers gain more information about the people they encounter before they have any physical or verbal contact with them. Many city police departments are equipping police cars and motorcycles with mobile data computers or mobile computer terminals that allow for wireless access to local and national records, such as the National Criminal Information Computer. Having access to databases while working in the field can save officers considerable time in gaining information about suspects and can help them complete the rest of their duties, including writing reports.