Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. HIGH TECH JIM dONAHUE CUTTING EdGE WIdGETS — ANd OTHER NEW STUff. T z B 16 he Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office is one of the most progressive agencies I’ve seen. They actually listen to what their street guys tell them they need. As an example, they’re doing a stellar job of deploying computers on their motorcycles. It allows the motor officers to use electronic ticketing to speed up the traffic stop process. There’s very little data entry needed and they can import data directly from your state’s crime Motorcycles and Computers? The world is at your fingertips in an economy of space. This cargo box holds the computer, printer and magnetic stripe reader. database and NCIC. The stop goes more quickly — although you can never write the ticket fast enough to the poor schlep who’s running late. So officer and unlucky motorist are back on the road in no time. PBSO also mounts and installs the gear according to the wishes of the officers using it. The mechanics work with the motor officers to figure a way to make the system most usable, safe and convenient. That’s the way it should be everywhere, but it’s seldom done. ecause the computer is permanently affixed to the bike, it’s not for every situation. Sometimes, it’s simply safer to use the old standby — the ticket book. Maybe traffic flow, location of the stop or other conditions make the computer an inappropriate choice, that’s okay. Computers on motorcycles rate the “80/20” rule — if it’s a benefit 80-percent of the time, then it warrants general use. The computer and printer can be mounted inside the rear cargo box on the Harley. The printer PBSO uses can print two copies of the ticket in less than two seconds. Not bad, eh? And — they’re legible. The radio gear and power supplies are beneath the tray on which the computer sits. There’s even a pad on the inside cover of the case to cushion shocks from rough roads. Permanently mounted computers offer the officer more bang for the buck over portable “ticket-writers.” It’s easier for the officer to look up during a stop and then return to the screen knowing where he left off, thus demanding less of his precious focus. Full-size computers are also capable of importing data from NCIC, which few handhelds can do. They’re simply easier to use and more dependable. Big Bang Theory Techno-Cop ’m a strong advocate of the right computer hardware for the right use. A laptop is clearly best, here. It should have a super-bright screen so officers aren’t squinting to see it in broad daylight. A backlit keyboard is a must. If the computer is assigned to you and not the bike, you may need this same computer in the future — like in a patrol car, on graveyards. It could happen. Touch Mongo’s become pretty proficient at screens are another must — pudgytouch-typing thanks to his full-size pawed cops using mouse pads won’t Toughbook computer. Now he only work. It’s like watching a bear cub play gets on the air to inquire about imwith a mouse turd. You’ll probably need portant things like, “where’s lunch?” a USB hub to connect the magnetic stripe reader, the printer, and other gizmos. Plan for that at the outset. PBSO uses iyeTek software with their Panasonic Toughbook computers. iyeTek, unlike many of the other companies out there, always provides the software and often the hardware at no charge to the agencies. They don’t charge an annual maintenance fee either. They make their money by charging for the sale of hard copies (like accident reports). Your agency still gets its money, but iyeTek adds a small service charge to pay for the gear. They make changes to adapt their software for each agency at no added charge — they do it quickly and they do it well. The whole set up costs around $10,000 to install. If each officer wrote an additional 10 tickets per day, at an average fine of $155 — get out your calculators if you need to — the payback period is only about six days. We all know motors can do it. It’s like fishing in a barrel. The out-of-pocket cost to the agency is zero — beyond training. Considering most budgets are in a deep freeze, this sounds like sound fiscal management. For more info: iyeTek, www.iyetek.com; Panasonic Toughbook, www.panasonic.com. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009 I