DataSync Mobile Technology – Catching Criminals On Demand

A case study on the Madison Police Department's in-car data system.

The Challenge

When an officer detains a suspect, the more information that can be gathered onsite about this suspect the more informed and conclusive decisions this officer can make. Traditional CB-based systems have been in place for years, yet they are severely limited. All communication must be confirmed, and is therefore extremely slow to relay.

In 2006 the Madison Police Department realized a real need for in-car data systems. The MPD set out a goal of keeping officers on the street, not in the office. “Our goal is stay out of the office and spend more time on the street, where we can maintain a consistent police presence” said Sergeant Dave Wegener of the Madison Police Department. Paperwork sometimes takes over 1.5 hours for a single arrest, creating time consuming paperwork that keep officers off the street. Reducing the time spent in the office on these reports was key to accomplishing the goal enabling the police force to become more visible and consistent in Madison. A well designed technology system was essential to accomplishing this goal.

The requirements for this system were to enable officers to check identification, view criminal histories, and search various online crime databases for additional information. Sergeant Dave Wegener approached DataSync about creating an in-car data system to empower officers to make qualified decisions in minutes, not hours or days.

The DataSync Solution

Upon looking deeper into MPD's information requirements, DataSync recommended a cellular-based communication system with in-car laptops to access data. Security is paramount in any such implementation, so DataSync used military strength encryption to secure all communication between the in-car system and MPD headquarters. The system itself was built very inexpensively compared to other solutions currently on the market (in some cases one quarter of the cost). No proprietary equipment was needed, and the system relies on trusted secure communication technologies.

The resulting system created a flexible platform for pushing a variety of information to each officer on demand:

Database tools

• CrimeStar – The local crime information database used by every officer in the force, used to log all local, state and federal disturbances and offences
• MOCIC (Midstates Organized Information Center) – Criminal intelligence products and information compiled from across the country
• EROWID - Erowid is an online library containing thousands of pages of information about psychoactive drugs, plants, and chemicals
• Drivers license photo retrieval
• Suspended license information

Information Resources

• HAZ MAT emergency guide information
• Real-time weather data including RADAR and weather alert information
• School surveillance video access – Real-time access to all school security cameras
• Court Fine/Bond schedules
• WebMD health information tools
• DVD Training guides

Future Upgrades

• NCIC (National Crime Information Center) – Full database access to state and federal tools including arrest warrants, stolen vehicles, sex offenders, federal criminal records, and much more

Real World Results

The resulting system essentially gives each officer access to unlimited information that gives them the ability to make informed decisions about a suspect in minutes. It also saves each officer countless hours of time to input each day's work into databases. “An arrest that formerly took 1.5 hours to document now takes a fraction of the time” said Sergeant Wegener.

DataSync was able to build this system within budget, and created a solution that helped Sergeant Dave Wegener and the Department accomplish their goal of creating a visible, efficient police force to protect the people of Madison. DataSync is proud to be a part of securing the city of Madison, and looks forward to continuing technology growth and innovation in our fine city.