Aether Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:AETH) a leading provider of wireless data products and services, today announced the Flint, Mich. police department has doubled its warrant arrests since deploying the company's PacketCluster Mobile Data software last March.
The city's wireless data system has eliminated delays in receiving critical information, previously caused by overloading the city's voice dispatch system, which typically handles over 150,000 calls annually.
The city is now in the midst of augmenting its wireless data implementation with PacketWriter, Aether's wireless field data collection and reporting application and other peripheral devices. PacketCluster and PacketWriter law enforcement products are part of Aether's suite of mobile government applications.
The Flint Police Department runs PacketCluster Patrol(R) on 50 Xplore Technology Mobile Computers, communicating via Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD). The system wirelessly links the mobile units with CAD (computer aided dispatch) systems and RMS (records management systems), as well as NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network -- Michigan) databases.
Before deploying PacketCluster, Flint voice dispatch networks would jam with routine calls for service and traffic incidents. Flint officers were waiting 10 to 15 minutes for a busy dispatcher to provide required information, increasing risk in potentially dangerous situations and limiting the number of officer inquiries.
"We respond to drug trafficking, homicides and violent crimes on a regular basis," said Sgt. Al Edwards, of the Flint police department. "In these situations, PacketCluster provides us with on-the-spot information even before we make a traffic stop or approach a potentially dangerous suspect. The ability to instantly gather and share critical data with fellow officers, without tipping off suspects, has given us a better idea of what we are walking into and enables us to handle incidents more safely and swiftly."
Creating a mobile patrol-office
To keep officers in the field where they are needed most, the Flint police department is harnessing the unique ability of PacketCluster 4.3 to integrate with peripheral devices and applications. The department has integrated a mobile mapping system, is currently implementing digital cameras and plans to integrate fingerprinting recognition devices as well.
In addition, Aether's Mobile Government Division is installing PacketWriter, a mobile field reporting application, which will provide real-time data collection and access to mission-critical information. PacketWriter will allow Flint officers to spend less desk time on reporting and administration and more time in the community.
"Prior to deploying PacketCluster, Flint reported its biggest down times were officers returning to headquarters to prepare reports, run license plates or obtain mug shots," said David Rosi, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Aether Systems, Mobile Government Division. "PacketCluster, integrated with PacketWriter and other peripheral devices and applications, will enable officers to do nearly 100 percent of their day-to-day tasks in the field. - turning their patrol vehicles into mobile offices."
Enthusiasm for technology fuels efficiency
"After implementing the new mobile data system and digital cameras, our officers have unleashed heightened enthusiasm for their jobs and shown greater comradery with one another, which has improved safety dramatically, " said Capt. Robert Clark. "For example, officers are more comfortable backing each other up, now that they can maintain a better sense of each other's situation with wireless communication and mobile data, and can communicate in a less intrusive and flammatory way during intense and dangerous situations. It's a real boost in morale for them knowing they have access to technology."
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