Parks Says LAPD Will Keep New Wireless System
Police Chief Bernard C. Parks announced Tuesday that his department will keep the $21.7-million wireless mobile communication system it has been testing for the last six months.
The Motorola Private DataTAC system will allow officers to monitor and respond to more frequencies, thus giving them added flexibility to respond to emergencies while keeping lines open for more routine calls, Parks said.
The system will give officers quick access to databases, including state and federal information about fugitives, stolen vehicles, automated firearms systems and state DMV records.
LAPD officials said the system will accommodate newer technology. For instance, it could some day allow officers in the field to tap into live fingerprint scanning programs, as well as in-car computer mapping systems that would enable officers to instantly locate their colleagues’ whereabouts.
The new system, installed in 1,200 squad cars, replaces a mobile data program that was installed in 1983.
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