Police forces and law enforcement agencies across the globe are increasingly reliant on cutting-edge technology to improve critical awareness, boost efficiency and support officer safety in an ever-evolving landscape. Key to combatting criminal activity and supporting public safety, this technology must actively improve operational processes in a flexible, reliable and secure way. Keeping pace with criminal activity while keeping the public safe is no easy feat, but leading organisations are already recognising the role Durabook’s rugged laptops and tablets can play in transforming the policing landscape.
Delivering critical situational data in real-time
While on duty, officers need to be able to rapidly assess their environment, disseminate information and mine data for insights on how to react. In every situation, unparalleled computing power, speed and accuracy are vital, and this is where rugged technology can meet these challenges. For example, the latest devices are equipped with a powerful Intel® i7 and i5 processors that can seamlessly cope with coding a video sequence from a patrol car camera, conduct video analytics, for example, license plate recognition, and relay critical data back to headquarters in real-time. This technology provides vital digital back up in the most challenging environments. For example, officers arriving into a potentially hostile environment can gain rapid access to information at the scene, including occupant history and building layout to ensure they can protect themselves, mitigate risk and better serve the public.
Connecting a mobile command centre
In an emergency situation, fast and powerful wireless connectivity is critical, and the latest rugged technology meets this need head-on. For example, Durabook’s U11I is equipped with Thunderbolt 4 technology for simple and flexible connectivity, and provides exceptional wireless capability via cellular options of 4G LTE or 5G and Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211. In addition, this device has an optional smart card reader for secured data and access protection and can connect to multiple devices via its Bluetooth® V5.3 bandwidth. This ensures critical information, including GPS locations, can be quickly and accurately delivered where it is most needed, efficiently linking emergency service providers and converting emergency vehicles into mobile command centres. A McKinsey report found that leveraging smart technologies could reduce emergency response times by 20 to 35 percent and lower criminal incidents such as assault, robbery, burglary and auto theft by 30 to 40 percent, so harnessing this technology could literally mean the difference between life and death.
Providing unrivalled functionality and security
With increasingly stringent budgets, staff shortages and time constraints, cutting-edge technology can reduce the manpower needed to undertake tasks, boosting efficiency. For example, officers would previously have to take manual notes while out in the field, which would then be added to the system when they returned to the office. Deploying rugged tablets means this can now be completed at the scene, saving time and money. The most versatile devices are designed to meet the specific needs of the task, for example, customisation options often include flexible keyboards for improved reporting and extended battery life to minimise down time. In a sector where security is critical, an optional smart card reader, RFID/NFC reader, fingerprint scanner, infrared camera, supporting Windows Hello facial recognition, and Windows 11 secured-core PC, is just some of the functionality that can protect against sophisticated attacks in one of the most data-sensitive industries.
Offering a reliable ally for every environment
Today’s forces need to operate around the clock in every environment, so technology that can withstand an unrelenting pace and challenging conditions is critical. The latest rugged devices are designed to actively support officers. For example, Durabook’s R8 rugged tablet features an 8” LCD (1280×800) display with specialist proprietary DynaVue® technology and up to 800 nits brightness, for exceptional viewing in every condition, including direct sunlight. Optimised for use in every work environment, it also offers capacitive multi-touch performance with four user-selectable modes, whether using a stylus, finger, glove or in the rain for ultimate versatility. These devices are also designed with durability in mind to withstand the knocks and bumps of police work, whether being used on the beat or housed within a patrol vehicle. Most are certified with MIL-STD-810H to withstand drops of up to 6 feet, and also boast IP66 certification to help officers capture and access critical information while accurately and efficiently running diagnostics in all kind of environmental conditions.
In an ever-evolving policing landscape, investing in the latest technology can help organisations to meet the daily demands of keeping the public safe while enhancing their processes and boosting productivity. As staff shortages mount and criminals find more sophisticated ways of challenging organisations globally, this technology will be increasingly critical in mitigating risk.
