29 Oct 2021

How Technology Makes Public Safety Safer and More Efficient

Edward Kaufmann

Public safety is an increasingly challenging profession. Police, fire, and EMS personnel strive to keep our communities safe and secure, especially during crises such as COVID-19.

Today, public safety personnel benefit from modern computer-driven devices purpose-built for their challenging work environments. These devices provide first responders with an unprecedented degree of communication, coordination, and efficiency.

However, it takes the right technology. Consumer-grade equipment is not up to the task.

Computers In the Field

One of the most significant advancements in public safety computing is the advent of rugged tablets and notebook computers. These devices are built to endure the harshest handling and unexpected shocks/vibrations that can happen in the field, along with temperature extremes, rain, and wind-driven dust.

Adding to their utility is the availability of LTE-Advanced networks for fast, anytime, anywhere wireless connectivity. Rugged devices come equipped with priority network access for first responders. These networks allow first responders to connect directly to their dispatch centers to enable real-time data sharing, voice, and video.

First responders and their command centers enjoy many advantages from public safety broadband connections. They include enhanced situational awareness, access to the latest information, and the ability to monitor team member positions, among others. First responders can also use their dedicated broadband connections to access medical records, maps of buildings, personnel locations, and real-time video and traffic updates.

Thanks to more effective and focused operations, the latest technology provides first responders and their respective departments with increased data accuracy and reduced operating costs. The ability to accomplish more missions effectively leads to increased team satisfaction.

Tough Enough for Public Safety

First responders need ruggedized tablets and notebooks. These devices are tough enough to endure the harshness of police, fire, and EMS field environments.

Getac devices make the grade, even when it’s military standard. For instance, Getac’s B360 (PC Mag’s Editor’s Choice award winner for rugged laptops) is a Windows 10 device. This rugged laptop offers a 13” display that is built to the US Defense MIL-STD-810G standard for resistance to shocks and impacts, including repeated drops from a height of six feet. The B360 has also been certified to operate in extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, humidity, and harsh sunlight. What’s more, this laptop meets the MIL-STD-461G standard for resistance to electromagnetic interference. Similarly, it also has the IP66 standard for resistance to dust and water penetrations.

The Getac S410 notebook computer is also purpose-built for public safety work in less demanding environments. This semi-rugged Windows 10 device offers a 14” display and splash-resistant keyboard in a case that has been MIL-STD-810H-certified for toughness and weather resistance (operating temperature range: -20°F to 145°F) and IP53 certified for dust/water resistance.

The enhanced security options of both devices protect against unauthorized access. Security features include Getac’s wide selection of multifactor authentication options. These include built-in fingerprint readers (FPR), radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers, smart card readers, and infrared (IR) webcams for facial recognition. In addition, users can utilize barcode readers (BCRs) to scan drivers’ licenses.

Documenting What Happens

Growing public demand for increased police accountability drives first responders’ adoption of body-worn cameras. This includes the deployment of HD cameras, monitors, and digital video recorders (DVRs) in their vehicles. All these devices must be rugged and reliable in day-to-day operations. As first responders face such tremendous pressure to succeed, equipment failure is not an option.

Getac addresses these needs through its Getac Video Solution products. Getac’s compact yet rugged (MIL-STD 810G) BC-03 body-worn camera captures a wide-angle 165° diagonal view of what’s happening in 1080p full HD resolution. Likewise, the device also has High Dynamic Range (HDR) color even at night in very low-light conditions. The BC-03 can transmit this footage live to a dispatcher using 4G LTE wireless broadband. An onboard second battery supports up to 16 hours of operation at a time.

For public safety vehicles, Getac’s compact ZeroDark HD camera (available in single and dual-lens versions, plus an infrared ZeroDark for backseat use) provides HD video quality even in the lowest of light conditions. This device ensures viewable footage no matter what time of day or night first responders shoots a video.

For clear in-vehicle viewing 24/7, Getac offers a 5-inch HD display. This device provides 2.5 times more picture resolution than its nearest competitor. Meanwhile, Getac’s VR-X20 DVR serves as a multi-camera recording unit for vehicles and body-worn camera feeds. As a result, this ensures reliable storage and seamless downloads from the Getac Enterprise evidence management platform.

Enhanced Public Safety

Advanced technology enhances public safety performance and extends the effectiveness of government personnel. This is why more public safety agencies plan to implement rugged mobile devices in the field along with cloud computing, analytics, machine learning, and device management systems within the next five years.

Now is a critical time to make plans for the long term. Getac can help to map out a future for your organization.

Edward Kaufmann

Ed Kaufmann is Getac's Director of Sales for the US Public Sector. He has over 30 years of experience leading high performing sales teams in IoT solutions and telecom companies in North America.