Wireless World: Cops Write Wifi Tickets
Wireless technologies are helping law enforcement offices across the country increase efficiency and boost revenues. In New York City, police are using handheld computers connected to a wireless-fidelity network to instantly produce parking tickets. The wireless technology allows officers to gather information about vehicles from their registration stickers and to download that information onto central computers.
The technology has helped reduce errors and increase the number of fines being collected by the city. A pilot project implemented in the borough of Queens last fall cut errors from 39 percent to just 1 percent, and New York Police Department authorities say the wireless technology has helped create $40 million in new revenues for the department.
In Los Angeles, officers are using handheld computers to obtain data on cars they stop for traffic violations. In cities across the United States, police departments are increasing their investment in wireless technologies.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the United Press International (04/23/04); Koprowski, Gene J.