Xplore’s Rugged Tablet Computing Systems Selected by City of Cleveland
Xplore receives orders for 200 units from Independence Communications as part of five year City project
Xplore Technologies Corp. (TSX: XPL), a leading international developer, producer and distributor of rugged wireless tablet computer systems, has received orders totaling 200 rugged Tablet PC’s for the City of Cleveland’s Police Division. These phase I purchase orders are part of a five-year Cleveland PD field automation project and were issued by Independence Communications, an authorized Xplore Platinum reseller.
According to Detective John Mott, Mobile Data Computer Support Manager for the City of Cleveland, Division of Police, “Mayor Jane Campbell’s vision to increase officer safety in the City of Cleveland has become reality with the selection of this innovative law enforcement system. In 2001, the City of Cleveland initiated a comprehensive evaluation process that began with our search for the optimal system form factor. In speaking with other law enforcement agencies, it became clear that a Tablet-style PC would provide a more durable and safe mobile computing system when compared to laptop alternatives. Laptop hinges, the risk of dropping the unit while open and design features created real concerns for the City and our officers. Xplore’s Tablet computers address these issues and have proven successful for other U.S. law enforcement agencies.”
Detective Mott added, “Introducing mobile data computers into the Police Division evolved when Mayor Jane Campbell, Safety Director James Draper, Assistant Safety Director Bruce Shade, and Police Chief Edward Lohn all shared in one common goal: to improve Officer Safety and provide Cleveland Police Officers with the latest computer technology inside a police vehicle.”
In October of 2002, Independence Communications installed 28 Xplore GeneSys Systems in police cruisers from the Fourth District as part of a six-month pilot program. During the pilot phase, officers evaluated Xplore’s GeneSys system combined with the Cuyahoga Regional Information Systems (CRIS) Mobile Software. Officers provided critical feedback on overall performance and recommendations for future consideration.
Key product features that resulted in the selection of Xplore’s rugged GeneSys MaximusPRO Tablet computing system included the overall durability of the system in the City’s operating environment, the responsive touch screen, ease of operation of the PC and the external backlit and durable keyboard with tilt and swivel capabilities. This initial award of 203 systems is part of a five-year program to outfit approximately 500 additional vehicles pending the award of annual grant monies in support of this project. Independence Communications was instrumental in the pilot and evaluation phase of the program and the City of Cleveland looks forward to continued strong service in the deployment and training for the subsequent project phases.
Don DiGeronimo, President of Independence Communications stated, “Our organization is extremely proud to be able to provide the City of Cleveland with the most advanced, rugged tablet PC in the marketplace today. More importantly, as a resident of the city, I am pleased with Mayor Campbell’s commitment to safety for the residents of this wonderful city. It is always exciting to work with customers as they advance their mobile computing technology to the next level. Working with the City of Cleveland and the current administration has been a wonderful experience. They have made a strong commitment to this project. When you combine that with Xplore’s rugged equipment and our focus on getting the job completed, this project will definitely be turn-key.”
Independence Communications will be installing Xplore’s rugged MaximusPRO Tablet computers and law enforcement docking system in addition to a magnetic stripe reader in approximately 175 police cruisers (incremental to 28 GeneSys II systems currently in use). Utilizing the CRIS Mobile Software with Xplore’s rugged hardware systems, officers in the City of Cleveland currently have the ability to run license plates and ID checks, perform wants/warrants checks, obtain photo images from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, initiate car to car communications and access local, state and federal websites while in their police vehicles. Prior to the introduction of Xplore’s rugged system, officers requested this valuable information from dispatch using the police radio which required the queries to be cued in the system for processing and often consumed the duties of dispatchers.
The biggest overall benefit to the City is the enhanced safety the system provides police officers in the field. Prior to exiting the police vehicle, officers can run a license plate and immediately obtain vehicle and owner information along with the driving status of the operator. If the query results show a potentially dangerous situation such as a stolen vehicle or a wanted person, the computer screen changes color and provide a visual heightened status to the officer(s). Additionally, with an increasing incidence of identity theft, it is imperative that officers validate the identity of the driver prior to completing the stop so the appropriate action can be initiated. Using social security numbers and/or driver’s license numbers, officers can access the CRIS system and validate identities through the availability of downloaded photo images and personal information.
Additional benefits noted by the City of Cleveland utilizing the Xplore mobile solution includes a more efficient use of radio communications for predominantly emergency situations, increased arrests and traffic citations based on an increased level of database inquiries and an overall increase in access to mission critical information for the field officers. Titus Britt, Deputy Commissioner for the City of Cleveland, Department of Public Safety, I.S.S., stated, “a real-time example of the benefit of Xplore’s mobile computers was realized during the first week of the GeneSys pilot. Cleveland Police officers ran the license plate of a vehicle with a loud muffler only to find the driver was a suspect in a recent homicide. The officers pulled the vehicle over and after a short foot chase, apprehended the suspect involved with the homicide. A further check of the vehicle’s trunk revealed a homicide victim in the trunk.”
“The City of Cleveland has invested a significant amount of time researching, piloting and perfecting their mobile automation system prior to this initial phase award,” said Mark Holleran, Vice President of Sales for Xplore Technologies. “We applaud the City’s diligence in creating a highly effective and safe mobile computing system for their officers and are pleased to be a part of this innovative model. Working closely with Independence Communications, one of our premier resellers, we continue to win project awards within the public safety market segment based on our proven, rugged tablet PC system for law enforcement.”
About Xplore Technologies®
Xplore Technologies, founded in 1996, is an innovative leader in the rugged pen-based mobile wireless computing industry. Xplore, which is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:XPL, has offices in Austin Texas, Toronto Canada, and Helsinki Finland. Its rugged GeneSys® and Ramline systems incorporate leading-edge technology, created based on years of customer design input. Xplore’s diverse customer base comes from the public safety, retail and wholesale warehousing, utility, military, field service, marine and transportation industries.
About Independence Communications
Independence Communications maintains a focused philosophy of total customer satisfaction while providing experienced technicians, knowledgeable sales staff and unmatched services. The company works with its clients to implement Motorola two-way radio systems, Dispatch Comm Centers, wireless mobile data networks and telephone communications solutions from Nextel. www.independencecomm.com
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