Windows Mobile is commonly seen as the exclusive realm of business users, but to limit it to this one sector is seriously underestimating its potential. As technology is embraced by the public, more today than ever before, we are likely to see mobile devices becoming an active participant in the daily lives of those who do not commonly rely upon technology, or at least not as heavily as in other occupational categories.
One area that has recently begun to take a closer look at adopting innovative technologies is the public sector. Specifically, I am referring to such areas as military, police, fire, and emergency services. Although those serving in these occupations have been adopting computer technology over the last several decades, widespread adoption of many new technologies has been met with reluctance and skepticism. Many uniformed service personnel are very hands-on, no-frills people, and they do not look for any fancy solutions. They want simple solutions to the problems they face—new technology must enhance their work without interfering with it.
Law enforcement
Although the public sector has not wholeheartedly embraced technology over the last few years, there is little doubt in the mind of any public servant that some of these advancements have made life much easier. Many police officers now have wireless access to a system called NCIC (National Crime Information Center) with which they can instantly check on the criminal status of anyone they encounter on the street. This system has increased the likelihood of identifying criminals, fostered communication between departments, and ultimately increased safety for officers on the street.
In conjunction with mobile communications, NCIC has proven to be an indispensable tool in police work. Currently, many departments deploy computers within police cars. This system, called MDT (Mobile Data Terminal), allows officers to look up NCIC information without having to call dispatch. With Windows Mobile-deployed MDT technology, police officers who are not able to immediately access a cruiser-mounted system would have NCIC information at their fingertips. Mobile deployment in this capacity is well-suited for foot patrol, undercover operations, or stake-outs.
Some metropolitan police departments have begun to use mobile ticketing terminals. The mobile terminals immediately transmit data to dispatch, the police station, or even the approving supervisor. The system is paperless, except for the single copy that is printed on-scene and issued to the offending driver. A mobile electronic citation system offers the advantage of quicker reporting and is a more efficient way to maintain statistical data.
Beyond the advantages offered to traffic officers, criminal divisions can also reap the benefits of mobile devices in several operational areas. Drug enforcement and crime suppression units needing up-to-date intelligence, suspect pictures, property/vehicle descriptions, or access to departmental criminal databases can get the needed information quickly and efficiently using modern Windows Mobile devices deployed to key personnel. Transmission of this type of data over the air is considered risky when so many criminal have the means to intercept radio and cellular signals.
Pictures of suspects or stolen property can be invaluable in the field. Recently, the police department in a major U.S. city was able to quickly locate a missing elderly man when a picture was transmitted to the cellular phones of officers who were conducting the search. In my area, a situation ended badly when officers received an escaped prisoner description via radio, and a mentally handicapped man was mistaken for the suspect. Imagine the benefit of having an up-to-date picture of the missing person or suspect versus a mere verbal description.
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