What does a mobile data terminal do?

Table of Contents Show

Applications
Common functions
Communications

Mobile data technology is increasingly used in local, regional, and national police agencies.

The first experiences with mobile data technology in law enforcement date back to the early 1980's. An initial project involved the downloading of dispatch messages directly to the vehicle, direct inquiry into State and Federal databases, simultaneous inquiry into a local intelligence data file maintained by the local police agency, and several other functions. In 1988 a police agency introduced the use of notebook computers as mobile data terminals to permit the use of mapping and automatic vehicle location. Sufficient satellites has been launched by 1991 to permit the use of the global positioning satellite network in automatic vehicle location. A statewide mobile data network with the capacity of 5,000 devices began in 1992. The current trend in mobile computing involves the use of pen technology to enable officers to complete incident and accident reports in the field using full-function computers. The use of voice input at a command level is expected soon, and voice dictation technology is now 95 percent accurate at a dictation rate above 70 words per minute. Digital cameras are also currently available that will integrate with notebook and pen-based computers and allow the attachment of photo images to incident or accident reports in the field. Police officers of the future will probably be able to use a combination of technologies to handle diverse tasks.

A mobile data terminal can manage fare collection information and options.

In public transportation, a mobile data terminal (MDT) is usually a portable computer added to a vehicle to assist with information and data management at service delivery. The computer may be a laptop, tablet computer, or customized hardware. There are many applications for MDTs such as managing paratransit trip manifests, collecting passenger and fare data, communicating with dispatch, and trip routing. MDTs are an effective tool for analyzing operations data in greater detail than with traditional pen-and-paper data collection.

The field of MDTs is rapidly developing, although their use in public transit dates back at least 25 years [1]. Software is often customized based on an agency procurement, but standard packages are available through software businesses specializing in the transportation industry. MDTs may operate entirely standalone while in the field or may use various wireless communication technologies to communicate with dispatch or a centralized server for information exchange.

Applications

MDTs may serve one or many functions, with the possible applications continuing to grow as the field develops and new ideas are introduced. MDTs can be helpful in managing flexible transportation services. They are also commonly used in fixed route and paratransit services for specialized applications.

Common functions

Automated Vehicle Location (AVL): MDTs can incorporate AVL by processing location data to transmit to a central server or dispatch. Some are also capable of serving as a GPS-based navigation assistant for vehicle operators [2].
Communication: MDTs can be used to facilitate efficient communication between vehicles and dispatch. This is often in the form of pre-programmed text messaging, which uses significantly less bandwidth than voice calls over a two-way radio system. Agencies operating a large number of vehicles may find that pre-programmed text messaging is an effective tool to reduce voice traffic.
Data entry and information management: A common use for MDTs is to collect a greater level of operating detail than might otherwise be possible. This may include the ability for the driver to categorize passenger counts by fare type (half-fare, adult, passes, etc.), by boarding or disembarking location, and so on. Some systems can incorporate some level of automation, such as pairing a location from the AVL component with the passenger fare type.
Paratransit trip management: Manifests or trip itineraries can be managed through an MDT as opposed to a traditional paper list. By incorporating wireless communication MDTs have the ability to update an individual driver’s manifest to reflect changing trip requests.

Many of these applications can combine to maximize efficiency. For example, a paratransit management software application can allow two-way text messaging to dispatch, allowing for real-time response for changing circumstances. The software package can also serve as a data management tool, providing accurate and detailed statistics for service delivery.

Hardware

MDTs were traditionally customized and highly specialized hardware, even as recently as 2007. As consumer technology in touch-screen and tablets developed, agencies have begun to procure off-the-shelf hardware with customized software applications. The industry has adapted by developing software which can run on various consumer platforms.

Communications

In the most basic application, a mobile data terminal is fully self-contained with no communication to other systems or the Internet. Agencies are more commonly using MDTs that communicate with a central server.

One form of information sharing is to download information from the MDT on a limited basis. This could be done traditionally by physically connecting the MDT with a desktop computer or to a central server and downloading information, commonly as part of end-of-day procedures. Agencies can also utilize a local wireless network to download data from MDTs as they are returned to a central point, such as the service garage.

An option that is growing in popularity and cost-effectiveness is the ability to transmit data in real-time using the cellular data network. Agencies can purchase an MDT or consumer tablet computer with the capability of connecting to a cellular data network. Depending on configuration and data plans, the MDT may transmit data essentially continuously or on a programmed frequency such as once an hour. Cellular phone providers may offer Government agency data plans unavailable to the consumer market.

References

↑ TCRP Synthesis 70 “Mobile Data Terminals”. Harman, Lawrence J. and Shama, Uma. Harman Consulting Boston, Massachusetts. 2007.
↑ TCRP Synthesis 91 “Use and Deployment of Mobile Device Technology for Real-Time Transit Information” Schweiger, Carol L. TranSystems Corporation Boston, Massachusetts 2011.

Increased efficiency and accuracy in data entry

Law Enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order in society. They need to enter data into their mobile devices while on duty. This data includes information about criminals, victims, and witnesses. In the past, police officers used paper and pen to record this data. This was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. A mobile data terminal equipped with intuitive software ensures that fields are correctly being filled.

2. The ability to interface with existing technologies

Software is crucial for any business. In the public safety industry, this is no different. Mobile data terminals (MDTs) in police cars are one such example of an essential piece of technology that needs to be compatible with various software applications.

3. Cloud accessible secure software

Nowadays, there is a growing need for police departments to have access to secure mobile data terminals in order to help them respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies. However, with the rise of cloud computing, there is also a heightened concern about the security of these systems. In order to ensure that police departments can take advantage of this technology, partnering with cloud-based solutions is critical.

and most importantly…

4. Harness the power of real-time data in using mobile data terminals

In an age of big data, police forces are extremely reliant on mobile data terminals (MDTs) to help them make sense of the substantial amounts of data they now have at their disposal. By connecting MDTs to secure databases, officers can access and update information in real time, whether it is responding to a call or sharing critical data across jurisdictions, real-time data helps save lives and increase community outcomes.

Real-time data look-up is not only efficient, but it can also help to keep officers safe. In the past, an officer would have to approach a vehicle not knowing who they were dealing with. Now, with the tap of a finger, an officer should have all the latest information they need at their disposal. In addition, leveraging cloud-based software on mobile data terminals allows officers to pull records on repeat offenders, share critical information with other departments if needed, and ultimately streamline reporting efforts.

The availability of real-time data is increasing, allowing officers to have more insight and knowledge in the field. An officer who in the past could only check data no more than 10 times per shift can now look up over 100 data points in relation to people, vehicles and more. The ability to look up the data in real-time with mobile data terminals is unlimited and enables officers to disseminate the information from data to handle each incident they encounter. Tracking criminal activity via secure software is the future of policing. Understanding patterns of crime across communities enables agencies to allocate resources where necessary to combat crime. However, this process is often hindered by outdated or inaccurate data. Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) software provides police with the ability to quickly and accurately input data related to criminal activity, which can then be used to generate crime maps and heat maps.

Real-time data can also help with the prioritization of missions. For example, locating high-alert suspects for murder or missing persons cases. With real-time look up capability and data-sharing – apprehending criminals can go from weeks to days. Mobile data terminals (MDTs) in police vehicles are an example of how real-time data is being used by law enforcement. MDTs are rugged, hand-held devices that give officers access to criminal databases, mapping software and other tools while on patrol. The software that powers MDTs is critical for keeping officers safe.