Victoria Police improves safety and operational efficiency with a mobile data network

Until recently, Victoria Police patrol vehicles were reliant upon analogue voice radio services to support vehicle dispatch and requests for checking details related to persons, vehicles, drivers, and locations. The voice radio network was often congested, thereby limiting timely access to critical information that could be vital to the officer's safety. Victoria Police knew that if their officers had direct access to this information it would improve officer safety and operational efficiency. Victoria Police sought a complete mobile data solution, including on-line access to critical information sources, to better enable the police force to do its job.

Victoria Police partnered with Motorola and IBM to roll out the end-to-end Mobile Data Network. IBM, its long-term IT services provider, designed, implemented and supports the MDN integration of existing state databases in a manner that gives MDN users secure access to these databases from their Mobile Data Terminals. IBM Global Business Services provided project management and integration design services.

Since implementing this service, Victoria Police have found that the new technology has:

· Improved efficiency-the number of checks a mobile patrol unit can conduct during a shift has increased by up to 10 times

· Improved road safety and traffic enforcement-police are finding that many motorists are either driving unregistered vehicles or stolen vehicles, or driving with disqualified / suspended licenses. These motorists may have previously remained undetected.

“In the past, some drivers believed that if they were suspended but drove carefully and didn't break the law they wouldn't be detected. Those days are effectively gone.” Sen-Sgt Tom Bentley, Victoria Police.