Next-generation software a ‘powerful combination’

‘Mixed reality’ incident command, automated ‘responder alert’ when a police officer draws their firearm, and a community engagement app were among the next-generation mission-critical software for first responders showcased by Motorola Solutions at the recent International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2017 conference held in Philadelphia.

“These technologies provide a powerful combination of solutions to help improve the safety of first responders and the people they protect,” said Bruce Brda, executive vice-president, product and solutions, at Motorola Solutions.

With Responder Alert, a series of actions and notifications are automated to keep officers focused on the mission at hand when a situation turns critical.

It has been integrated into equipment officers use every day. For example, when an officer pulls their firearm out of its holster, Responder Alert will immediately notify command and can automatically turn on the officer’s body-worn camera to begin recording events.

The software has been developed using holsters from law enforcement specialist Safariland and sensors from Yardarm Technologies integrated in the officer’s weapon. Motorola Solutions says Responder Alert can also detect if a gun is fired and immediately notify command and control. This not only helps maximise officer safety, it can also be critical in establishing a timeline of events for post-incident investigation.

Alerts are communicated automatically using two-way radios or on broadband networks when using LTE (long-term evolution) devices.

Using Motorola Solutions’ CommandCentral Inform software for aggregated location-based data, commanders see events on their computer screens as they populate a timeline that includes real-time location information.

CommunityConnect, the new mobile app for non-emergency community engagement, is designed to “streamline calls for service, improve crime intelligence and help agencies stay better connected with their residents”.

The app can be used by the public to send non-emergency incident reports and easily track their status. They can also anonymously report all types of crimes and submit multimedia evidence, such as videos and pictures.

Additionally, public safety agencies can broadcast alerts to keep residents informed of emergency situations in the local area and share local crime data.

Motorola Solutions says all data captured through CommunityConnect can be easily stored using its CommandCentral Vault evidence management for historical reference.

Motorola Solutions’ ‘holographic’ future incident command concept uses mixed reality for a multi-dimensional view of events as they unfold.

An augmented-reality headset will provide a bird’s-eye view into the role of an incident commander who is coordinating a tactical response away from the incident.

Drones at the scene provide videos and a holistic view of buildings. A holographic 3D model can be viewed from any direction, similar to a physical object located on a table right in front of the commander. The location of first responders and other people at the scene is quickly seen on live diagrams and via video feeds.

In a demonstration at IACP, first responders communicated using a dedicated LMR (land mobile radio) system with real-time data shared through a secure broadband network.

Motorola Solutions says commanders see events as they unfold: “They have the situational awareness needed to make the right decisions that can be quickly communicated with first responders in the field.”

Many of these latest developments can be found at the company’s new London Innovation Centre, which sets out a vision of smart public safety for a digital society.

Motorola Solutions says public safety agencies are under enormous pressure in an ever-changing world – “threats are getting more complex, populations are growing, budgets are under pressure, and constant scrutiny is leading to even greater demands for accountability”.

But it believes the right information at the right time, supported by intelligen