ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q3-2023

FBINAA FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. Strategic DIAMOND LEVEL Alliance 2023

FBINAA.ORG | Q3 2023

DALE STOCKTON, NA Session 201

Modern police departments rely heavily on mobile technology as a force multiplier, resulting in better access to information, improved officer safety, and increased operational efficiency. Mobile routers have emerged as an essential component due to the increasing level of technology in police vehicles and the need for reliable connectivity. Since the routers are con nected to and managing the technology in the vehicle, they can monitor and op timize the performance of the connected devices. This means that officers can access critical information without inter ruption. This article will identify important factors for router selection and outline the benefits of mobile routers for public safety operations. Let's begin with the basics of router functionality. There was a time when the technology in a patrol car was primarily a radio and possibly a radar gun. Today’s patrol vehicles are frequently outfitted with license plate readers, video cameras, smart PUBLIC SAFETY TRANSITION TO 5G W ith the emergence of 5G technology, police vehicle fleets stand to benefit greatly from an upgrade to 5G mobile routers and IT managers will want to take this into consideration as they review equipment refresh cycles. Faster data transfer with minimal latency and improved network reliability will significantly improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of police operations. Perhaps the most notable benefit will be seen with video transmissions, an area that is rapidly expanding with officers now having access to real-time drone feeds and public security cameras. ROUTER BASICS

phones, and computers – all of which may require a connection to the internet. To help ensure secure and managed connections for these devices, mobile routers are the ideal solution. Mobile routers are typically mounted in the trunk or cargo section of a vehicle, serving as a central hub for establishing internet connectivity on the go. By connecting devices to a cellular network, routers provide wireless connectivity within the vehicle. Equipped with one or more SIM cards, routers help ensure a consistent cellular connection. They can support mul tiple devices simultaneously, allowing officers to access online resources, maintain communications with dispatch, and seam lessly share information. While this is the fundamental role of a router, there is much more to be aware of, including selection criteria and the benefits a router can provide to organizations in terms of operational effectiveness. For agencies that are not using a mobile router, in-car technology is generally centered around a mobile computer equipped with a modem. However, routers are an overall better solution for most agencies, according to Lt. (ret) Dan Gomez , who spent several years overseeing mobile technology efforts at the Los Angeles Police Department. Gomez is the chief tech nology officer and a co-founder of TacLogix , a consulting firm specializing in public safety technology challenges. “You want your officers to stay connected and routers do that effectively, providing an optimum opportunity to receive the data,” said Go mez. “Routers also provide great security and they’re more flex ible – permitting the use of dual SIMs and simplifying hardware changeouts.” RUGGEDNESS Police operations often take place in challenging environ ments, where extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and rough treatment are common. This is why it is important to invest in purpose-built rugged mobile routers. Look for routers that are certified for shock/vibration in accordance with MIL STD 810G and SAE J1455 standards. These certifications ensure that the routers can withstand the harsh conditions encountered in the field. Additionally, pay attention to the IP rating, which indicates a router's level of dust and water resistance. Look for routers with an IP rating of at least IP67, indicating the router is dust proof and can tolerate temporary water immersion. CONNECTIONS Mobile routers for police vehicles should be able to support both wired and wireless devices. For wired connections, it is essential to have enough ports with different types of connec tions to provide flexibility. Common connection types include Ethernet, RS-232 serial, and USB. Ensure that the provided connections meet your operational requirements. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is also important as it ensures ef fective and efficient connection to the network without cumber some manual configurations. continued on page 33

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