IMPACT: Making the world safer through technology

Peace of mind comes with confidence in knowing you can rely on your software provider and that your needs are met.  Mission critical software for police, fire, EMS, public safety and justice personnel is IMPACT's only business.  They concentrate specifically on satisfying the information-sharing demands of first responders.  Their system was built utilizing intimate knowledge of police, fire and EMS procedures...as the creates have nearly three decades of experience in the field.

 

IMPACT provides the world's most advanced information-sharing innovations.  Their technologies are engineered to perform under the most demanding circumstances, enabling quick responses.  This keeps officers safe and provides necessary information at critical moments when every second counts.  IMPACT's products include computer aided dispatching, complete records management, mobile tactical field reporting, ticket processing, GPS automatic vehicle location, precision mapping, alarm billing, special interfaces for E-911, NCIC, live-scan fingerprinting technology, jail management systems, and fire/EMS records management systems.  There is essentially a product for every first responder out there!

IMPACT understands that no two fire, police, EMS, or private safety departments are exactly alike.  Because of this, the programs offered by IMPACT are extremely versatile.  The programs offered can be purchased as a whole or just specific programs can be utilized.  All IMPACT programs are completely compatible with one another, allowing a seamless flow of information between multiple agencies within the same area.

A few of the optional software programs include:

• Alarm Billing: allows law enforcement personnel to track and charge false alarm violators
• Photo Imaging: Supports mug shots, crime scene photos, evidence photos, digital imagery, sound files, and video clips
• E911: Enables rapid data entry for immediate dispatch of response units
• Field Reporting: enables real-time creation and submission of incident reports from the field

To learn more about IMPACT's technology solutions, visit them at www.impact-sys.com or give them a call at (800)871-1244.

Recommended and Minimum Specs for Software: Knowing What You Need

Panasonic Toughbook CF-27

It seems that a great deal of our customers are in the process of updating the software that they utilize in their police cruisers or in their ambulances.  For some, this means an inevitable upgrade in computer systems as well.  But, lets face it, it might be time to upgrade from those fifteen year old Pentium III CF-27's and CF-28's anyway.


For those who are less than technologically savvy, understanding exactly what they need to purchase to adequately run the software they are looking to purchase is much like trying to read Greek or Latin.  It doesn't help that most software companies recommend that you purchase your upgrade computers based on the recommended specifications.  Recommended specifications are generally in-line with the latest and greatest hardware options available (such as i7 processors, 8 Gig of RAM, 1 TB hard drives, Windows 7 Professional, and so on).  You can't even purchase a brand new Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 with those specifications.  Those specs are generally only found in end-user laptops (such as a Dell or HP that would be purchased at a large retail store for home usage); laptops that you should never consider mounting in a vehicle.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-19

This is where it becomes important to also receive a listing of the minimum specifications for the software you are looking to purchase.  Although the recommended specifications may be similar to those listed above, the minimum specifications might only require a Pentium IV processor, 1 Gig of RAM, 5 Gig hard drive, and Windows XP.  And for those that aren't fluent in tech-lingo, the difference between the minimum and the recommended is huge!  It also gives the ability to purchase a wide array of refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks such as the CF-19, CF-29, CF-30, CF-74, or even the CF-52.


Once you have the minimum and the recommended specifications, you should talk with Toughbook salesperson or email them your the specifications.  From there, a reputable company will help you purchase what you need (not what they want to sell you), all while trying to stay within the constraints of your department's budget.  A good rule of thumb is to try to find a mid-point between the minimum and recommended specifications.  This will make your computers a relevant technology for a long period of time and that you should not have any issues with any upgrades that are required by your software company.

Police Cruisers: The New High Tech Office

In the last decade, law enforcement patrol vehicles have become more like high-tech offices than the old-fashioned prowl cars of the past. Today's officer has more technology in his or her patrol unit than astronauts had in the space shuttle. And like any high-tech office, the new patrol car cabin is built around the presence of a powerful computer.

We've written numerous articles on mobile computers. They are the it-product of police technology. They can survive drops and spills, and even bullet rounds and vehicle fires. But the truth is that without the right software and the right peripherals the most expensive, powerful, rugged police computer system is just a rugged computer.

What software should you look at for your rugged computer systems?

• M-Urgency: Links with your dispatch and emergency callers to deliver real-time video of the incident.
• The CAD Zone:  Simplified 3D-rendering software specifically designed for non-technical personnel.  Software comes specifically designed for fire management, crash re-enactments, and crime scene re-enactments. 
• Apollo Video Technology:  Stream and record video directly to the mobile units in the police vehicles.  
• StarChase Pursuit:  Tag and follow high-speed pursuit vehicles safely and at a distance utilizing GPS technology.
• NDI Recognition Systems:  Automated license plate recognition programs increase both the safety of officers and the number of license plates that can be checked during a shift.
• EMS Consultants:  Specifically designed for easy of use, this EMS software completely eliminates the "paperwork" associated with patient transports.

Automated License Plate Recognition

Automated License Plate Recognition, also known as ALPR, is one of the newest technologies to come available for police departments throughout the United States.  ALPR is a surveillance method that uses optical character recognition to read the license plates of vehicles (either parked in a parking lot or driving on an interstate).  In the United States ALPR is primarily used in the assistance of locating stolen vehicles, finding drivers with no insurance or suspended licenses, locating wanted persons, and even assisting with Amber Alerts.

How It Works

Recent changes in technology have made it possible to make ALPR mobile.  A mobile system is generally mounted on a patrol vehicle.  The cameras consist of infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) illumination, an infrared camera, and a color camera. Infrared illumination is used as almost all license plates are highly reflective to infrared which provides effective license plate image capture during day or night, and also eliminates the variability of plate backgrounds and colors by providing a clear monochrome image of the license plate.  The software algorithm identifies individual video frames containing a license plate image. The system will capture multiple images (one every 10-20 ms) of the plate as it passes through the field of view, with varying image capture settings with each picture to compensate for changing ambient conditions, plate-to-plate variability, and other variables. The cameras are very high speed, allowing for this process and effective image capture to take place at speeds of up to 160 mph.  The system automatically processes all pictures and cross matches it with a pre-loaded database of vehicle license plates.  If any suspicious vehicles are located, the officer is notified immediately on the Panasonic Toughbook or mobile data terminal mounted in their vehicle.  From there, the officer can follow appropriate protocol for their jurisdiction as the manner in which to proceed.

The Benefits

• Efficiency - The average officer may check 50-100 plates during the course of their shift.  The ALPR can easily scan tens of thousands of plates in that same time frame.
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery - Departments with ALPR statistically have significantly higher stolen vehicle recovery rates.
• Officer Safety - Officers are aware of their surroundings and possible suspicious individuals prior to ever stepping out of their vehicle.  ALPR can be lifesaving during a traffic-stop.  
• Elimination of Profiling Claims - Because the ALPR uses nothing but the license plate to alert the officer, it completely eliminates the suspects' claims that they were being profiled.
• Increased Revenue - ALPR is instrumental in locating vehicles with outstanding parking violations and expired registrations, which leads to increased revenue.

ALPR In Action



Where To Get It
There are multiple companies throughout the world that specialize in the sales of ALPR.  One such company is NDI Recognition Systems.  NDI's US headquarters is located in Florida, however, they also have satellite offices in North Carolina and New Jersey. They are a primary dealer of ALPR software and peripherals in the United States.  NDI Recognition Systems sells the software that is being illustrated in the video.  They are the manufacturers of Veriplate, VISCE, and TALON.

How To Get It
With prices ranging upwards of $15,000-$20,000 per vehicle, most departments run into significant funding issues when they do decide to start adding ALPR systems to their fleet.  For many departments their only option is to request grant funding.  There are multiple federal grants that allow funds to be utilized for ALPR. They include: Edward Byrne Memorial (JAG) Program Grant, Byrne (JAG) Direct Grant, Project Safe Neighborhood Grant, and Comprehensive Approaches to Sex Offender Management Grant.

Company Spotlight: EMS Consultants

EMS Consultants was established in 1989 in LaGrange, Georgia.  Since then, they have become a leading consultant to EMS companies in several states.  Although their business began as simply a software and consultant service, they have expanded in recent years.  Their services now also include medical billing.

EMS Consultants are the innovators of Prestige EMS Software Solutions.  One of their most popular Prestige products is the ePCR Software.  ePCR was developed by EMS Consultants to the specifications of the state run report for ambulance service. This software was developed to eliminate “paper work” by entering your trip report information and billing information into portable lap-top or notebook “remote” computers. This can then be downloaded into a main or “host” computer for transfer to your EMS Consultants billing program and to your state EMS office.  In recent years, it has become touchscreen compatible, making the Panasonic Toughbook the unit of choice for their software.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 tends to be the unit of choice for EMS companies and EMS Consultants (it is actually featured in the print and video marketing of EMS Consultants).  What makes the CF-19 the best choice for EMS companies?

• It's rugged.  The Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 is built to take a beating.  It can handle getting thrown around in the ambulance and getting dirty in the field.
• It's lightweight.  Unlike other Toughbooks that weigh in at 7 pounds or more, the CF-19 is only 2 pounds.  This makes it easier to carry on-scene with other equipment.
• It's touchscreen and a tablet!  The touchscreen makes entering data easier.  The tablet and stylus make capturing signatures onto forms paperless.

EMS Consultants has been referred to as one of the most trusted EMS consulting firms on the east coast.  Their customers have nothing but wonderful things to say about their customer service skills, particularly raving about the fact that they always speak to a representative.  For more information, EMS Consultants can be reached at 800-342-5460.