BUFFALO POLICE DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY
Good technology and communication means more effective law enforcement and emergency response. Our goal is to keep officers in the field and get the information they need to safely make critical decisions-fast. In order to succeed, advanced data integrity solutions are in place to ensure administrative work flow efficiency within our department.
Software Solutions
The Buffalo Police Department uses LETG, a public safety software solution that provides staff with the allowance for information sharing amongst applications that avoid unnecessary duplication; safety and security measures; and advanced data integrity solutions. The Web-based nature of these products provides full access to both RMS and the Mobile applications from the field, where it belongs. All of these applications are accessible with a basic Internet connection (and the right security access). The eMERTS Suite provides various modules for data storage, organization, and reporting. Following is an explanation of the modules and their functions.
eMERTS, Records Management System (RMS)
eMERTS™ RMS was designed by public safety employees for public safety officials. Our agency migrated to a Web-based RMS system on January 1st of 2006. The LETG Records Management System is a XML based system. The data repository is managed by MySQL and ASP. Call data is stored in the database and can be retrieved from the mobile terminals throughout the city. This gives officers the advantage of knowing the call history of a residence because the data is passed to the Emerts Mobile screen.
Supplemental reporting capabilities, media attachments, and case management functions are found within our RMS. Another unique feature is the robust and user-friendly evidence tracking and property inventory bar coding system.
Critical information that has already been entered into the system through eMERTS™ Mobile does not have to be entered again by administrative personnel. This avoids duplication, increases the efficiency of work flow and streamlines the administrative process. The administrative support staff will spend less time entering data and more time verifying the accuracy of data. With less time needed for data entry, support staff can focus on other critical tasks that affect officer effectiveness and public safety such as crime analysis and crime mapping.
Features
The eMERTS suite of products includes a mobile component that directly interfaces with the RMS. This has several advantages. Data that is generated in the car (i.e. electronic citations, crash reports, impound forms), can all be automatically transferred into the incident files for later retrieval - data entry is eliminated in these circumstances. The terminal allows officers to retrieve information regarding drivers, vehicles, warrants, and send messages to other officers.
In addition, queries that are run from the mobile application are accessible from the desktop, making report writing and data entry more efficient and simplistic. This aids in the reduction of data entry errors, as the imported data is error free. This intuitive application offers our patrol officers the necessary information to keep safe and the tools to be more effective and efficient while performing their duties. A department's operational capabilities and effectiveness will be significantly augmented through: state of the art sophisticated mobile technology that utilizes field based reporting, automated ticket writing, messaging, AVL, GPS, and GIS functionality which will allow for greater efficiencies and greater response capabilities.
Features
The Field Reporting application is a robust solution that allows police officers the ability to initiate and complete their reports in the field electronically. Virtually every reporting capability (impound sheets, accident reports, diagrams, and offense reports) can be completed in the field with automated data field population to eliminate redundant entry.
Completed reports are directly forwarded into the RMS application through our secure wireless connection, which again eliminates additional data entry processes. Recorded statements, digital photos, and other media can be uploaded from the field directly into RMS.
eMERTS, Accidentwriter
This application allows our patrol officers to complete the vast majority of an accident form using information returned from motor vehicle queries. Acidentwriter has been shown to reduce accident scene times from an average of 20 minutes down to an average of 5 minutes.
eMERTS, Ticketwriter
This module facilitates the generation of electronic
traffic citations. The citation is then printed to be issued to the driver. The driver and vehicle data is automatically imported into the LETG RMS system and the court record system. This module enables officers to issue a citation in approximately one minute. Furthermore the citations no longer need to be scanned by office personnel because the data is automatically imported. The ease of writing tickets does not encourage officers to write more citations; it allows our officers to focus on other tasks.
The automated Ticketwriter module includes three citation capabilities.
Verbal Warning Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. The officer then selects send to RMS. This sends the information to a new incident record in RMS. The officer then types a small description of the offense in a pop up box.
Written Warning Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. Officers then enter the location information and select written warning from the drop down list. The officer must select an offense for the written warning. The ticket printer will print a written warning and send the information to a new incident record in RMS. The officer then will enter a brief synopsis of the offense in a pop up window.
Citation Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. Officers then enter the location information and select citation from the drop down list. At this time they also select whether or not the option to attend Drive Wright is allowable. The officer must select an offense for the citation. The ticket printer will print a citation and send the information to a new incident record in RMS. The office then will enter a brief synopsis of the offense in a pop up window.
Features
Warrants Tool Officers can draft search warrants quickly by using the BPD Search Warrant Tool, created by one of our own! Through a series of input boxes the officer can enter the pertinent information about the warrant. The tool then generates a search warrant using the entered information. The tool is able to generate most warrants right from the squad car. The officer then has the capability to email and/or print the warrant right from the squad for a Judge’s review and signature.
MESH, Mobile Wireless Network This is the backbone of our system, where it all starts with high speed wireless service. The mesh is a series of inter-connected wireless communication radios which transmit computer data to our mobile computers.. There are approximately 100 MESH radios distributed throughout the city. The MESH is a self-healing system, which means that if a radio fails the other radios pick up the traffic. Self-healing also means that a mobile radio can receive data from various radios, which allows the computer to move (in a car) while still receiving the data. Additionally, our officers connect over an encrypted wireless connection.
OFP Full access Officers can access on-file Orders For Protection from the squad car. This allows the officers to determine quickly if a violation has occurred.
APS, Pawn Automation enables law enforcement agencies to share pawn/secondhand transaction information electronically; ultimately increasing the recovery of stolen property. APS allows rapid, direct access to all pawn and secondhand transaction detail in the central repository. APS provides a number of functions that assist investigators with developing useful suspect information and aid in the identification and recovery of stolen property. This application is available on the office workstations within our department.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services provides us with vehicle licensing, titling, and registration information for forfeited vehicles. Our staff has a secured access to driver and vehicle records attainable in the squad and at the office workstations. Crimnet Resources
CriMNet is a state-level program that works with Minnesota state and local agencies to make accurate and comprehensive criminal justice information available to criminal justice professionals in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. CriMNet is not a single database or technology solution. It exists to coordinate information sharing from a statewide and potentially nationwide viewpoint – known as the “enterprise” view – so that systems can work together. This requires the development of statewide standards for data, technology and business practices and methods for agencies to access and understand those standards which CriMNet provides.
MNCIS, Minnesota Court Information System The Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) was designed to provide integration services so information can be consumed and supplied between the courts and other criminal justice business partners. Our office workstations have access to this system and we often access it to follow up with cases and determine ownership of property.
MRAP, Minnesota Repository of Arrest Photographs The Minnesota Repository of Arrest Photographs (MRAP) is a database of arrest and booking photos submitted from law enforcement agencies. The MRAP provides criminal justice agencies with an opportunity to search arrest and booking photos from a variety of law enforcement agencies, to create lineups and witness viewing sessions from those photos, and to enroll unidentified persons into the facial recognition component in an attempt to obtain accurate identification. There are currently 55 counties that submit arrest photos to the statewide repository.
CIBRS, Comprehensive Incident-Based Reporting System The Comprehensive Incident-Based Reporting System (CIBRS) is a repository of incident data from law enforcement agencies across Minnesota. The data are recorded by the local agency in a records management system and sent to the CIBRS database so it can be searched by other law enforcement agencies. CIBRS is primarily a tool for law enforcement investigations. CIBRS contains no public data.
In the squads or in the office, we use Portals to access the following:
Crime Reports Online
Buffalo crime reports can be accessed online at http://www.crimereports.com. After selecting the area for which you want to search, the incidents are displayed using various icons. Each icon identifies different event types.
Data from calls for service are automatically formatted for crime reports. A final check of the data is performed to ensure all information regarding certain types of confidential information are not distributed.
Online Crash Reporting
Using online crash reporting has reduced crash report time to approximately 5 minutes. These reports can be completed in the car using the mobile MESH network.
The crash reporting software is connected the Minnesota driver and vehicle records; the information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the crash report.
Mapping Capability
Nearly every address in Buffalo and the surrounding townships can be found on our electronic mapping system. The call data from eMERTS also has the address encoded, which allows an officer with a few mouse clicks to locate the call geographically. This is especially useful in making a stealth approach to an address; officers don’t need to see the house numbers to know which house is the subject of the call.
The mapping system will also map the locations of squad cars. Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors encode the location of squad cars-see below
Squad cars are identified by unit number. An individual or all units can be mapped.
Gov QA This is a Citizen Support Center for Buffalo residents that support all incoming citizen request for Service and Information, and all outgoing Communications for notification and feedback. Accessible to citizens at any time of the day, specific to meet each department’s needs, centralized to provide a complete view of all government support activities and completely automated to improve efficiencies and streamline costs. GovQA requires only internet access: with no hardware to buy or complicated software to learn. Visit the City of Buffalo website and click on the Services tab, drop down and choose Service Request.
Hardware Solutions
M6 Mobile Computer System
Designed for the harsh environment of Public Safety vehicles, the M6 is known for being the brightest, thinnest, and most rugged touchscreens available for vehicular computing. The M6 features a removable SATA hard drive, eSATA port, and ExpressCard slot. Internal WAAS-enabled GPS, Wireless LAN and Broadband Wireless options are available.
Keyboards
This isn’t your standard keyboard! Our keyboards are heavy-duty construction needed to withstand continuous in-vehicle use. The keyboard is separate from the display allowing easy access by either vehicle occupant. The keyboards feature extra large letters and adjustable backlighting to provide superior day and night visibility. An integrated glide pad or similar pointing device is included in all models.
Displays
All M-series displays are sunlight visible and can be easily adjusted for any lighting condition. The rugged scratch resistant touchscreen puts critical data at our officer’s fingertips. The high resolution, digital (LVDS) displays are extremely clear and specially designed for wide angle viewing. Each display also features active thermal management and integrated stereo speakers.
Printers
Our squads are equipped with two printers. One printer exclusively prints citations and a PENTAX PocketJet printer is a full-page printing solution that prints all department forms.
Digital In-Car Video System utilizes the latest g
eneration of technology that is so small and advanced that the entire Digital Video System is integrated into a rear view mirror. The video monitor is located behind a high quality “one-way” mirror so that when it’s not in use, it’s invisible.
Features
3.5" Ultra-Bright Color Monitor (1000 NITS)
Covert Rear Seat Camera with IR LEDs
GPS with Mark Feature
900 Mhz Audio Transceiver
Internal Microphone & Speaker
Other Squad Equipment
Squad Radio, VRM Data Radio, MESH Radio, Power Box, Charge Guard, LED light bar, Radar, cellular phone, flashlight
Digital Recorder, Olympus DS-3000 Our officers carry digital recorders to dictate reports and record statements. These units are another tool allowing officers to work in the field and be on the street where they are needed.
Digital Recorder, Olympus DS4000 These units were recently purchased for our Administration and Investigations. Olympus’ most advanced professional digital recorder yet is slide switch operated for ease of use, stacked with premium features and enhanced DSS Player Pro Dictation software for outstanding performance
Digital Child Keeper is an Identification solutions package to keep our young community safe! Offered by the Buffalo Police Department to help parents create and maintain important information relating to their child/children, child information, medical conditions, medical and dental contacts, emergency contacts, digital fingerprints, and a digital picture are all captured and stored on a CD. The CD is given to the parent with the ability to keep the information up to date.
Looking Forward
eMERTS Mobile PDA Utilizing an automated real-time interface with RMS , data will be accessed and pushed directly from a field unit PDA. Duplication is avoided and efficiency is increased, streamlining the administrative process.
eMERTS DynaForms LETG’s latest Field Reporting line up offering is Dynaforms. This application gives the officer in the field the ability to complete an electronic version of any department form or document from their vehicle. These electronic documents can be used as separate documents or integrated with eMERTS RMS. These forms will be available in each squad for completion online. Once completed the officer will have the capability to upload a copy in the case file, print a copy, and email the form to any facility from the squad. Forms currently in creation:
Animal Impound Form, School Notification Form, Transport and Hold Form
Wi-Fi
If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless networking, also called WiFi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and some cities are trying to use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires.
The City of Buffalo has long been a leader in providing high speed Internet to the community. Since 1996 the City of Buffalo has provided fiber optic and high speed Internet services to businesses, schools, and government buildings in the City of Buffalo.
CAD, Computer Aided Dispatch
The CAD system, is a next generation call dispatching system designed for the dispatch center that requires graphic mapping integrated with real time CAD operations.
CAD is a map-driven (ESRI based) computer-aided dispatch tool that speeds critical response times and improves emergency resource management.
The CAD "Information on Demand" design allows dispatchers to minimize navigation through the application and enhances overall performance and effectiveness.
CAD supports multiple agencies, works across jurisdictions and through its open architecture, provides effective integration of applications such as radio consoles, E911, and mobile data and records management systems.
Features
Voice Recognition Software
As the demands for police report writing continued to increase over the years, departments like BPD have looked for a technological solution. During the winter of 2004-2005, the Buffalo Police Department researched and tested a voice recognition software product, Dragon Naturally Speaking. This product was tested in conjunction with the report writing process at BPD, and was completed as a partial requirement for a Masters Degree being pursued by the Chief of Police.
There were two items of specific interest that occurred during this research and testing process. First, it was determined that there was little to no data available concerning similar studies. Second, it was determined that the use of this product did not provide results that could significantly impact the report writing process at the Buffalo Police Department.
For those who would like to examine this study in depth, you can click here. Please note these are lengthy documents. The Main Thesis and Appendices have been separated to improve download times.
Software Solutions
The Buffalo Police Department uses LETG, a public safety software solution that provides staff with the allowance for information sharing amongst applications that avoid unnecessary duplication; safety and security measures; and advanced data integrity solutions. The Web-based nature of these products provides full access to both RMS and the Mobile applications from the field, where it belongs. All of these applications are accessible with a basic Internet connection (and the right security access). The eMERTS Suite provides various modules for data storage, organization, and reporting. Following is an explanation of the modules and their functions.
eMERTS, Records Management System (RMS)
eMERTS™ RMS was designed by public safety employees for public safety officials. Our agency migrated to a Web-based RMS system on January 1st of 2006. The LETG Records Management System is a XML based system. The data repository is managed by MySQL and ASP. Call data is stored in the database and can be retrieved from the mobile terminals throughout the city. This gives officers the advantage of knowing the call history of a residence because the data is passed to the Emerts Mobile screen.
Supplemental reporting capabilities, media attachments, and case management functions are found within our RMS. Another unique feature is the robust and user-friendly evidence tracking and property inventory bar coding system.
Critical information that has already been entered into the system through eMERTS™ Mobile does not have to be entered again by administrative personnel. This avoids duplication, increases the efficiency of work flow and streamlines the administrative process. The administrative support staff will spend less time entering data and more time verifying the accuracy of data. With less time needed for data entry, support staff can focus on other critical tasks that affect officer effectiveness and public safety such as crime analysis and crime mapping.
Features
- Easy to use and navigate – any user familiar with web browsing will easily learn how to quickly navigate through LETG RMS
- Accurate, easy to generate reports
- Powerful, intuitive search tools – LETG developed the RMS module with the belief that once data is entered into the system, that data should be easily retrieved. The RMS search tools provide the user with many search functions such as wild card searching, the ability to search fields with only partial information, and many others.
- Multi-level permission system for secure access within different parts of the system
- Rich relational database model
- CIBRS/NIBRS compliance
- 100% browser based RMS
- Since eMERTS™ RMS is browser based, there is no need to install software on office desk tops
- Simplified state reporting process
- County Attorney has direct access to this database to retrieve reports and statements
The eMERTS suite of products includes a mobile component that directly interfaces with the RMS. This has several advantages. Data that is generated in the car (i.e. electronic citations, crash reports, impound forms), can all be automatically transferred into the incident files for later retrieval - data entry is eliminated in these circumstances. The terminal allows officers to retrieve information regarding drivers, vehicles, warrants, and send messages to other officers.
In addition, queries that are run from the mobile application are accessible from the desktop, making report writing and data entry more efficient and simplistic. This aids in the reduction of data entry errors, as the imported data is error free. This intuitive application offers our patrol officers the necessary information to keep safe and the tools to be more effective and efficient while performing their duties. A department's operational capabilities and effectiveness will be significantly augmented through: state of the art sophisticated mobile technology that utilizes field based reporting, automated ticket writing, messaging, AVL, GPS, and GIS functionality which will allow for greater efficiencies and greater response capabilities.
Features
- Robust mapping capabilities for each squad car (see description below)
- Extensive, secure, real time messaging
- Capability to transfer photos and other documents from the field
- Receives call and data from dispatch
- Runs querys through the state (CJIS) to provide prior contact and history
- Name capture feature to push data directly to RMS
The Field Reporting application is a robust solution that allows police officers the ability to initiate and complete their reports in the field electronically. Virtually every reporting capability (impound sheets, accident reports, diagrams, and offense reports) can be completed in the field with automated data field population to eliminate redundant entry.
Completed reports are directly forwarded into the RMS application through our secure wireless connection, which again eliminates additional data entry processes. Recorded statements, digital photos, and other media can be uploaded from the field directly into RMS.
eMERTS, Accidentwriter
This application allows our patrol officers to complete the vast majority of an accident form using information returned from motor vehicle queries. Acidentwriter has been shown to reduce accident scene times from an average of 20 minutes down to an average of 5 minutes.
eMERTS, Ticketwriter
This module facilitates the generation of electronic
traffic citations. The citation is then printed to be issued to the driver. The driver and vehicle data is automatically imported into the LETG RMS system and the court record system. This module enables officers to issue a citation in approximately one minute. Furthermore the citations no longer need to be scanned by office personnel because the data is automatically imported. The ease of writing tickets does not encourage officers to write more citations; it allows our officers to focus on other tasks. The automated Ticketwriter module includes three citation capabilities.
Verbal Warning Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. The officer then selects send to RMS. This sends the information to a new incident record in RMS. The officer then types a small description of the offense in a pop up box.
Written Warning Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. Officers then enter the location information and select written warning from the drop down list. The officer must select an offense for the written warning. The ticket printer will print a written warning and send the information to a new incident record in RMS. The officer then will enter a brief synopsis of the offense in a pop up window.
Citation Information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the Field Reporting Module from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle records and officers select the driver and vehicle from the drop down list. Officers then enter the location information and select citation from the drop down list. At this time they also select whether or not the option to attend Drive Wright is allowable. The officer must select an offense for the citation. The ticket printer will print a citation and send the information to a new incident record in RMS. The office then will enter a brief synopsis of the offense in a pop up window.
Features
- Reduces time officers spend writing tickets which allows them to return to service more quickly
- Eliminates common data entry mistakes
- Allows the traffic offender to be on their way more quickly
- Creates accurate, easy to read tickets
Warrants Tool Officers can draft search warrants quickly by using the BPD Search Warrant Tool, created by one of our own! Through a series of input boxes the officer can enter the pertinent information about the warrant. The tool then generates a search warrant using the entered information. The tool is able to generate most warrants right from the squad car. The officer then has the capability to email and/or print the warrant right from the squad for a Judge’s review and signature.
MESH, Mobile Wireless Network This is the backbone of our system, where it all starts with high speed wireless service. The mesh is a series of inter-connected wireless communication radios which transmit computer data to our mobile computers.. There are approximately 100 MESH radios distributed throughout the city. The MESH is a self-healing system, which means that if a radio fails the other radios pick up the traffic. Self-healing also means that a mobile radio can receive data from various radios, which allows the computer to move (in a car) while still receiving the data. Additionally, our officers connect over an encrypted wireless connection.
OFP Full access Officers can access on-file Orders For Protection from the squad car. This allows the officers to determine quickly if a violation has occurred.
APS, Pawn Automation enables law enforcement agencies to share pawn/secondhand transaction information electronically; ultimately increasing the recovery of stolen property. APS allows rapid, direct access to all pawn and secondhand transaction detail in the central repository. APS provides a number of functions that assist investigators with developing useful suspect information and aid in the identification and recovery of stolen property. This application is available on the office workstations within our department.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services provides us with vehicle licensing, titling, and registration information for forfeited vehicles. Our staff has a secured access to driver and vehicle records attainable in the squad and at the office workstations. Crimnet Resources
CriMNet is a state-level program that works with Minnesota state and local agencies to make accurate and comprehensive criminal justice information available to criminal justice professionals in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. CriMNet is not a single database or technology solution. It exists to coordinate information sharing from a statewide and potentially nationwide viewpoint – known as the “enterprise” view – so that systems can work together. This requires the development of statewide standards for data, technology and business practices and methods for agencies to access and understand those standards which CriMNet provides.
MNCIS, Minnesota Court Information System The Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) was designed to provide integration services so information can be consumed and supplied between the courts and other criminal justice business partners. Our office workstations have access to this system and we often access it to follow up with cases and determine ownership of property.
MRAP, Minnesota Repository of Arrest Photographs The Minnesota Repository of Arrest Photographs (MRAP) is a database of arrest and booking photos submitted from law enforcement agencies. The MRAP provides criminal justice agencies with an opportunity to search arrest and booking photos from a variety of law enforcement agencies, to create lineups and witness viewing sessions from those photos, and to enroll unidentified persons into the facial recognition component in an attempt to obtain accurate identification. There are currently 55 counties that submit arrest photos to the statewide repository.
CIBRS, Comprehensive Incident-Based Reporting System The Comprehensive Incident-Based Reporting System (CIBRS) is a repository of incident data from law enforcement agencies across Minnesota. The data are recorded by the local agency in a records management system and sent to the CIBRS database so it can be searched by other law enforcement agencies. CIBRS is primarily a tool for law enforcement investigations. CIBRS contains no public data.
In the squads or in the office, we use Portals to access the following:
- CCH, Computerized Criminal History is the state central repository for data on subjects arrested for gross misdemeanor and felony offenses. It is used by the criminal justice community for decisions regarding investigations, arrests, bail/bond, charges, plea bargains, convictions, probation and placement in correctional facilities. It is also used to conduct background checks on individuals seeking employment or licensing for various positions. CCH also contains valuable information for researchers.
- CJIS, Criminal Justice Information System "Hot" Files contains statewide information on wanted and missing persons and stolen property such as vehicles and guns. Instant access to this data is critical to law enforcement operations.
- CJRS, Criminal Justice Reporting System collects statistical information concerning the occurrence of crime in Minnesota and compiles that data into management reports for local law enforcement. This information is published annually in the MN Crime Information book and also reported to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program for national compilations of crime data.
- CJDN, Criminal Justice Data communication Network is a dedicated statewide network which provides instant access to all the systems noted above, driver license & motor vehicle registration data as well as other data and provides communication capability between agencies. This network is interfaced with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) network which provides nationally indexed criminal and "hot" files. The CJDN is also interfaced with the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) which links local, state and federal agencies together for the purpose of exchanging criminal justice information interstate.
Crime Reports Online
Buffalo crime reports can be accessed online at http://www.crimereports.com. After selecting the area for which you want to search, the incidents are displayed using various icons. Each icon identifies different event types.
Data from calls for service are automatically formatted for crime reports. A final check of the data is performed to ensure all information regarding certain types of confidential information are not distributed.
Online Crash Reporting
Using online crash reporting has reduced crash report time to approximately 5 minutes. These reports can be completed in the car using the mobile MESH network.
The crash reporting software is connected the Minnesota driver and vehicle records; the information about a particular person’s driver license or vehicle information imports into the crash report.
Mapping Capability
Nearly every address in Buffalo and the surrounding townships can be found on our electronic mapping system. The call data from eMERTS also has the address encoded, which allows an officer with a few mouse clicks to locate the call geographically. This is especially useful in making a stealth approach to an address; officers don’t need to see the house numbers to know which house is the subject of the call.
The mapping system will also map the locations of squad cars. Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors encode the location of squad cars-see below
Squad cars are identified by unit number. An individual or all units can be mapped.
Gov QA This is a Citizen Support Center for Buffalo residents that support all incoming citizen request for Service and Information, and all outgoing Communications for notification and feedback. Accessible to citizens at any time of the day, specific to meet each department’s needs, centralized to provide a complete view of all government support activities and completely automated to improve efficiencies and streamline costs. GovQA requires only internet access: with no hardware to buy or complicated software to learn. Visit the City of Buffalo website and click on the Services tab, drop down and choose Service Request.
Hardware Solutions
M6 Mobile Computer System
Designed for the harsh environment of Public Safety vehicles, the M6 is known for being the brightest, thinnest, and most rugged touchscreens available for vehicular computing. The M6 features a removable SATA hard drive, eSATA port, and ExpressCard slot. Internal WAAS-enabled GPS, Wireless LAN and Broadband Wireless options are available.
Keyboards
This isn’t your standard keyboard! Our keyboards are heavy-duty construction needed to withstand continuous in-vehicle use. The keyboard is separate from the display allowing easy access by either vehicle occupant. The keyboards feature extra large letters and adjustable backlighting to provide superior day and night visibility. An integrated glide pad or similar pointing device is included in all models.
Displays
All M-series displays are sunlight visible and can be easily adjusted for any lighting condition. The rugged scratch resistant touchscreen puts critical data at our officer’s fingertips. The high resolution, digital (LVDS) displays are extremely clear and specially designed for wide angle viewing. Each display also features active thermal management and integrated stereo speakers.
Printers
Our squads are equipped with two printers. One printer exclusively prints citations and a PENTAX PocketJet printer is a full-page printing solution that prints all department forms.
Digital In-Car Video System utilizes the latest g
eneration of technology that is so small and advanced that the entire Digital Video System is integrated into a rear view mirror. The video monitor is located behind a high quality “one-way” mirror so that when it’s not in use, it’s invisible. Features
3.5" Ultra-Bright Color Monitor (1000 NITS)
Covert Rear Seat Camera with IR LEDs
GPS with Mark Feature
900 Mhz Audio Transceiver
Internal Microphone & Speaker
Other Squad Equipment
Squad Radio, VRM Data Radio, MESH Radio, Power Box, Charge Guard, LED light bar, Radar, cellular phone, flashlight
Digital Recorder, Olympus DS-3000 Our officers carry digital recorders to dictate reports and record statements. These units are another tool allowing officers to work in the field and be on the street where they are needed.
Digital Recorder, Olympus DS4000 These units were recently purchased for our Administration and Investigations. Olympus’ most advanced professional digital recorder yet is slide switch operated for ease of use, stacked with premium features and enhanced DSS Player Pro Dictation software for outstanding performance
Digital Child Keeper is an Identification solutions package to keep our young community safe! Offered by the Buffalo Police Department to help parents create and maintain important information relating to their child/children, child information, medical conditions, medical and dental contacts, emergency contacts, digital fingerprints, and a digital picture are all captured and stored on a CD. The CD is given to the parent with the ability to keep the information up to date.
Looking Forward
eMERTS Mobile PDA Utilizing an automated real-time interface with RMS , data will be accessed and pushed directly from a field unit PDA. Duplication is avoided and efficiency is increased, streamlining the administrative process.
eMERTS DynaForms LETG’s latest Field Reporting line up offering is Dynaforms. This application gives the officer in the field the ability to complete an electronic version of any department form or document from their vehicle. These electronic documents can be used as separate documents or integrated with eMERTS RMS. These forms will be available in each squad for completion online. Once completed the officer will have the capability to upload a copy in the case file, print a copy, and email the form to any facility from the squad. Forms currently in creation:
Animal Impound Form, School Notification Form, Transport and Hold Form
Wi-Fi
If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless networking, also called WiFi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and some cities are trying to use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires.
The City of Buffalo has long been a leader in providing high speed Internet to the community. Since 1996 the City of Buffalo has provided fiber optic and high speed Internet services to businesses, schools, and government buildings in the City of Buffalo.
CAD, Computer Aided Dispatch
The CAD system, is a next generation call dispatching system designed for the dispatch center that requires graphic mapping integrated with real time CAD operations.
CAD is a map-driven (ESRI based) computer-aided dispatch tool that speeds critical response times and improves emergency resource management.
The CAD "Information on Demand" design allows dispatchers to minimize navigation through the application and enhances overall performance and effectiveness.
CAD supports multiple agencies, works across jurisdictions and through its open architecture, provides effective integration of applications such as radio consoles, E911, and mobile data and records management systems.
Features
- Speeds critical response times through faster, smarter event assessment and management
- Optimizes resource management through advanced skill, resource and unit recommendation capabilities
- Provides "Information-on-Demand" via easy to use intuitive interface
Voice Recognition Software
As the demands for police report writing continued to increase over the years, departments like BPD have looked for a technological solution. During the winter of 2004-2005, the Buffalo Police Department researched and tested a voice recognition software product, Dragon Naturally Speaking. This product was tested in conjunction with the report writing process at BPD, and was completed as a partial requirement for a Masters Degree being pursued by the Chief of Police.
There were two items of specific interest that occurred during this research and testing process. First, it was determined that there was little to no data available concerning similar studies. Second, it was determined that the use of this product did not provide results that could significantly impact the report writing process at the Buffalo Police Department.
For those who would like to examine this study in depth, you can click here. Please note these are lengthy documents. The Main Thesis and Appendices have been separated to improve download times.
