Chicago Police Get In-Car Access to Data
Available information includes details of incident locations and the identity, criminal history and outstanding warrants of suspects
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Police Department is using $9 million in homeland security funds to install wireless notebook computers in 1,200 patrol cars. The notebooks will give police officers in the field access to the city's Citizen Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting system (I-CLEAR), which will equip officers with the means to check the details of a suspect (including identity, criminal record, outstanding warrants and mug shots) or whether the location of the disturbance is known as a previous trouble spot right from their car without having to contact headquarters for the information. In addition, part of the system prioritizes emergencies so officers can work more efficiently. Installation in all 1,200 patrol cars is expected to be completed by December 2005.
