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Just face it
Fire and Rescue services are now using the power of social media in their interactions with the community, writes Nigel Kay.
Apollo ready for action
Airwave has announced that the private mobile radio (PMR) service infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is ready for service.
Cabinet Office launches Emergency Preparedness consultation
Phase 2 Consultation on revised chapters of Emergency Preparedness closes at midnight on Tuesday 27 September 2011.
New alliance to tackle cyber crime
International Cyber Security Protection Alliance brings together, for the first time, business, government and law enforcement on an international scale.
Police IT reform announced
The Home Secretary says a company will be set up to manage police information and communications technology (ICT).
Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Police to share communications service
Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and Wiltshire Police are to use a single ‘hosted’ CORTEX Software Integrated Communications Control System (SICCS) service to counter budget cuts and share services.
‘Monumental failure from start to finish’ – Margaret Hodge on FiReControl
National Audit Office report slams DCLG’s project
Airwave launches ‘the future of mobilisation and control room solutions’
In response to the cancellation of the FiReControl service in December 2010, Airwave, the leading provider of critical voice and data communications to public service organisations in the UK, has launched ControLink – a suite of voice and data propositions.
More criminal justice data for police.uk
Information should be added to crime mapping website to show how offences are dealt with, says minister.
Staffordshire Police awards £1m contract to Sepura for both hand portable and mobile terminals
Staffordshire completes the quartet of Midlands’ regional constabularies, with West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwickshire also benefiting from Sepura TETRA radios.
World’s first wide area emergency services communication base station
A portable wireless broadband base station that creates a private network for the emergency services in the event that the national telecommunications infrastructure fails during a major incident has been launched in the UK.
Lewisham reduces town centre crime by 62% with NBIS
Lewisham Borough Business Against Crime (LBBAC), a business crime reduction partnership (BCRP), has reduced town centre crime by 62%, as a result of using NBIS (National Business Intelligence System) from Hicom in collaboration with targeted policing strategies and crime education initiatives throughout the borough.
Welsh fire services link together
Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant AM, has launched a new collaborative project between the three command and control operations of all three fire and rescue services in Wales.
New Police National Database to provide greater protection for the public
The parents of murdered schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman have welcomed the introduction of a powerful new tool to help UK police and other crime-fighting organisations protect the public more effectively.
London Assembly to probe response to 7 July Coroner’s report
The Assembly’s Business Management and Administration Committee will tomorrow question Deputy Mayor and Chair of the London Resilience Forum Richard Barnes about the priorities, resources and work programmes of the London Resilience Forum.
London fire brigade launches UK’s first fire map
Londoners can now keep track of fires and other emergencies in their area through an online fire map of the capital, says London Fire Brigade.
Kingston University experts invent an app for major incident communications
The Internet app can be used on PDAs and iPads and even allows ES workers to securely talk to counterparts across Europe.
NPIA saves forces millions through national procurement framework
The NPIA’s value for money work has helped forces across the UK make combined savings of more than £6 million by using the Agency’s Identity Access Management (IAM) national framework.
Hampshire FRS adopts solution for critical front line emergency information
Hampshire FRS is now using Astrium GEO-Information Services' SAFEcommand Vehicle-Mounted Data System in all of its 130 appliances across the county.
The first in-flight emergency call service
InFlight Labs LLC has announced that they will deploy a powerful new Inflight Emergency-911 Service that will help airline pilots and staff to alert up to 100 government personnel simultaneously in the event of an inflight crisis.
Making travel safer in Cyberspace
Minister for Cyber Security calls for closer partnership with industry and the public.
Airwave launches two-way messaging service
TETRA Messenger is a secure, resilient, two-way messaging and alerting solution.
Northrop Grumman wins $141m order to continue support of the automated biometric identification system
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a follow-on task order valued at up to $141 million for continued development of the US Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (DoD-ABIS), which provides military personnel with reliable and timely identification of persons of suspected threat to US national security.
TWC news – Jersey and Guernsey launch interoperable TETRA networks
New Motorola Dimetra 7.1 TETRA systems allow Channel Islands public services and emergency personnel to communicate across unified networks.
TeleCommunication Systems receives six US patents for advancements in public safety comms technology
Patents encompass location, wireless, VoIP, and next generation 9-1-1 technologies.
TWC news – Motorola launches network monitoring application TRACES
The new TETRA RF Automated Coverage Evaluation System (TRACES) provides end-user network administrators with full visibility of network coverage for the first time enabling quicker resolution of coverage issues reported by end users.
TWC news: APD announces CISCO partnership
APD announces an agreement with CISCO to enable the company to provide increased resilience and intelligent call routing, allowing organisations with high-volume call centres to make substantial efficiency gains.
NPIA set to save police service millions by modernising police procurement process
A new online procurement process being rolled out to forces across the country by the NPIA, is set to save the police service up to £30 million by streamlining the procurement process.
New telecoms rules to benefit citizens and businesses across Europe
By 25th May 2011, Europeans will enjoy new rights and services regarding phones, mobile and Internet.
New Olympics training launched for police, fire and ambulance
The National Policing Improvement Agency, working together with the Association of Chief Police Officers, has today launched an online training package for police, fire and ambulance personnel across the UK to help prepare them for the challenges of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IEEE DySPAN 2011 expands the research and deploy of next generation smart radio technologies
The IEEE Symposium on New Frontiers in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks (DySPAN 2011), the leading international conference dedicated to the advance of cutting-edge wireless technologies, recently celebrated its 5th annual event in Aachen, Germany
Orange and Barclaycard transform buying on Britain’s high-streets
The UK’s first contactless mobile phone payments service allows consumers to make purchases on the high street using their mobile phone.
999 Location identification solution for PBX networks
ConneXon of Montreal have launched a location identification solution for 999 calls that are made from within private telephone networks. The solution is known as E999 and is based on ConneXon's E911 solutions in North America.
4G set to deliver capacity gains of more than 200% over 3G
New Ofcom research reveals that the next generation of mobile technology will deliver more than 200% of the capacity of existing 3G technologies, using the same amount of spectrum – the airwaves that carry information between customers’ mobile handsets and the internet.
'We can deliver savings and protect the frontline' – Theresa May
Addressing officers at the Police Federation Conference yesterday, The Home Secretary Theresa May explained that the police are not being singled out for cuts and that action must be taken across the public sector to address the budget deficit.
VoIP emergency services website may save lives
A wholesale voice and data communications provider launches a new white label website through which its customers can provide location information to the emergency services, supporting Ofcom’s recent extension of General Condition 4 to VoIP services.
Largest multi-agency multi-sector group on a next-generation PSN in the UK
Eight organisations across councils, health services, police forces and further education colleges in Gwent choose PSBA as their secure, shared service public sector communications network.
Better data on passenger movements
The immigration minister has said that the UK will opt-in to an EU directive which will require travel providers to pass on data about those they are carrying.
Eric Pickles: Ten ways to tackle council fraud and recover £2bn a year
Data analytics mentioned as one of the top ten tips.
Commission and police forces sign agreement on stop and search
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has entered into a binding agreement with Thames Valley Police and Leicestershire Constabulary, regarding their disproportionate use of stop and search powers.
Home Secretary puts fight against bureaucracy at the heart of her police reforms
A raft of measures outlined by the Home Secretary yesterday will save an estimated 2.5 million police hours – the equivalent of 1,200 police officer posts a year.
Ground-breaking stop & search application
Tetra terminals being used by Greater Manchester Police to record ‘stop and search’ data.
Inventor of the first paging system celebrates its 80th birthday today
Multitone Electronics Plc, specialists in defined group wireless communication, celebrates its 80th birthday today. As experts in this field Multitone is a leader in providing resilient messaging systems to hospitals and the Emergency Services in the UK and delivers sophisticated messaging systems to a myriad of customers around the globe.
Coroner publishes recommendations from 7/7 inquest
Lady Justice Hallett says the recommendations "may save lives" in the future.
Strathclyde FRS to improve management of 3000 telephone extensions at over 100 sites
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has taken the first step to improve dialling plans, reduce potential fraud and support a major VoIP migration project.
Deutsche Telekom and Gemalto enable emergency call service in Europe
Deutsche Telekom and Gemalto together announce that BMW automobile is embedding their Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solution in its latest car models to enable emergency call (eCall) services.
FEMA’s IT systems “do not support disaster response activities effectively”, says US Department of Homeland Security report
Federal Emergency Management Agency faces challenges in modernizing information technology, says the DHS’s Office of Inspector General.
Lax IT security measures led to NHS data breach in Birmingham, says ICO
NHS Birmingham East and North reported the breach to the ICO in September last year after discovering that electronic files, stored on a shared network, were potentially accessible to their own employees and the employees of two other local Trusts. The files contained information relating to thousands of individuals, including members of staff. Although health records were not compromised as part of the breach, the files also contained some high level information relating to patients.
Fire service awards
Bulgarian orphans in their Shrewsbury Town football strip.
Volunteers from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have won a major award for their charity efforts in aid of Bulgarian orphans.
ARL Comms urges you to vote for network of networks - UPDATE
As a result of voting procedure difficulties in the Cabinet Office's Innovation Launch Pad, ARL's Steve Cappa puts forward a method for people to vote for his suggestion, a 'network of networks'.
North East Lincolnshire residents urged to register for Emergency SMS
The new 999 service makes it easier for residents suffering hearing loss or difficulty with speech to make an emergency calls.
Who are the most complained about major telecoms providers?
Consumer telecoms complaints received by Ofcom between October 2010 and February 2011 reveal the truth.
Dates for BAPCO 2012 announced following successful show
BAPCO 2011 saw leading decision makers from all aspects of public safety communications meet and do business with over 100 exhibitors, whilst keeping informed of the latest key topics at the conference programme.
Intergraph buys Denali Solutions
Acquisition advances Intergraph’s industry leadership position in public safety and security.
LTE technology is adopted as the international public safety broadband standard
APCO Global Alliance recognises Long Term Evolution as the leading standard in 4G.
Kettling report highlights Met problems with communications technology
Frequent problems were witnessed in communications technology between the Special Operations Room, Bronze commanders and police officers on the ground, says Liberty Report.
Update – APCO Global Congress, June 2011, Dubai
George Rice, Executive Director of APCO International.
“Our goal is to bring global networking, knowledge and experience to the Middle East.”
Cassidian showcases unique cyber security and cryptography technology at InfoSec 2011
The defence and security expert will this week unveil a number of innovative technology solutions.
New funding for local flood rescue teams
More than £820,000 has been given to 16 emergency and voluntary groups by Defra to buy rescue equipment and train them to deal with local flood emergencies.
NPIA's award-winning new IT system set to save police service millions
A new IT service developed by the NPIA to make the storage and management of data standards more efficient has received an award for excellence. The Code List Management System (CLMS) won the Police Force Technology Award at the Emergency Service Awards.
Airwave acquires Scottish mobile data provider
Mobile information provider Kelvin Connect becomes part of Airwave Solutions.
PageOne to sponsor BAPCO Live
Live demos will show role of technology in co-ordinating communications in critical situations.
At BAPCO 2011: ‘Next generation 999 – managing multimedia incident information’
NICE Systems’ presentation at the main conference at BAPCO 2011 on April 14th will be complemented with demonstrations of its incident management solution at stand 217.
170 Toughbooks for Hampshire’s police vehicles
The fully ruggedized Toughbook CF-19s are being installed between now and June and will be available in patrol cars, as well as specialist vehicles for critical event management and firearm response teams.
E-Forms to be used for witness statement trial
Avon & Somerset Constabulary is working with HeliMedia to trial a new method of completing and processing witness statements electronically using mobile devices.
Government reveals plans for releasing publicly-held spectrum
Plans for releasing large amounts of publicly-held spectrum have been revealed by Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.
The Cabinet Office has published the Government ICT Strategy
Strategy acknowledges there have been ‘significant failings’ in big projects, and Coalition is ‘determined to do things better’.
Read the latest issue of the National Land and Property Gazetteer E-zine
The E-zine highlights the work of the NLPG and the National Street Gazetteer.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre wins awards for innovative films
CEOP’s Children and Young People Team collected eight awards at the acclaimed International Visual Communications Association (IVCA) on Friday 26 March 2011.
Over one million properties now receiving direct flood warnings
The number of properties signed up to the national flood warning system in England and Wales has broken the one million mark for the first time, says the Environment Agency.
New Intergraph incident management and business intelligence for public safety on show at BAPCO 2011
Intergraph has chosen BAPCO 2011 (Stand 318) for the first public showing of two new systems.
World’s smallest digital covert earpiece unveiled
The Phonito Nano by Phonak Communications is entirely invisible to the naked eye, ensuring the user’s cover and increasing the chance of operational success.
FiReControl – ‘potential resilience deficit remains’
At the Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference 2011 Fire Minister Bob Neill MP talked about the future of control room services – read the relevant transcript here.
End-to-end vehicle telematics solution to be highlighted at the Home Office Scientific Development Branch Exhibition
APD Communications’ INCA2 in-vehicle communication hub and co-ordinator reports have been chosen by the ACPO ITS “One Box” team to showcase its Driver and Vehicle Data Management solutions in an all new Vauxhall Astra police vehicle.
Chemical leak and comms training for Shropshire/Cheshire firefighters
Firefighters donned special air tight chemical protection suits to tackle a reported ammonia leak during a large scale training exercise at a major food storage and distribution depot organised by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
First iPhone app to warn of flooding
The country’s first ever mobile phone application that provides the public with flood warnings has been launched.
BAPCO 2011 – Delivering lower cost incident management through technology
Conference and exhibition will deliver collaborative solutions and future emergency planning for a uniquely challenging financial context.
Knowledge exchange by and for public safety professionals
Tony Antoniou, new Chief Executive of BAPCO, on his first few months in BAPCO office.
Guide: Keeping the Country Running: Natural Hazards and Infrastructure
Consultation seeks wider views from government, regulators, industry groups, infrastructure owners and emergency responders. Views wanted on the practicality of new guidance.
Texting the emergency services – Ofcom proposes to safeguard scheme
A voluntary trial enabling people to text the emergency services should be made mandatory, Ofcom proposes.
Cassidian, Emiraje and Khalifa University complete the first phase of establishing a Cyber Operations Centre of Excellence
Cassidian, Emiraje and Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research have completed the first phase of establishing a Cyber Operations Centre of Excellence agreed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed in May 2010.
FiReControl: have your say
According to Fire Minister Bob Neil MP the priority now for fire and rescue authorities is to review their existing control arrangements in the light of this decision. BAPCO members are encouraged to read this summary of the Consultation and send their thoughts to BAPCO.
NICE to Acquire CyberTech International
NICE Systems has announced that it has reached agreement to acquire CyberTech International, a global provider of compliance recording solutions and value-added applications.
Hampshire Constabulary upgrades its APD Systems to better support households across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
APD Communications, today announced that Hampshire Police chose to upgrade the control room systems across two sites. The move has seen APD deploy CT Connect CTI software, helping the force better support 3,800 police officers, 500 special constables and 348 police community support officers.
Exercise Watermark – biggest ever emergency exercise will see schools evacuated and include RAF helicopter rescues
The nation’s biggest emergency exercise is set to take place across England and Wales next month (7 – 11 March 2011). Exercise Watermark will test the countries’ responses to catastrophic flooding from overflowing rivers, collapsing reservoirs and tidal surges.
UK lags in emergency number 112 awareness
An EU-wide survey released today shows that citizens in the UK along with those in Greece and Italy are among those less likely to know about the European emergency number 112.
11 June 2011: the CARE IT Adventure Challenge.
Hiking, biking and canoeing in Exmoor for IT professionals, supporting leading aid and development charity CARE International.
3D mobile location tracking solution to be launched
NICE today announced that it will be demonstrating the advanced capabilities of its 3D Mobile Location Tracking solution, which include the provision of altitude information for both rural and dense urban environments, at the upcoming GSMA Mobile World Congress, to take place in Barcelona, Spain, February 14-17, 2011.
Ten Step Cycle for civil contingency practitioners published
The new guidance will help local resilience forums implement their duty to communicate with the public, as per the Civil Contingencies Act (2004)
Fire service emergency cover toolkit software update - major incident model
A new module will reflect the role that Fire and Rescue Services have in planning for and dealing with major emergencies.
Government holds talks on parental internet controls
Internet service providers have committed to looking for fresh solutions to protecting children from inappropriate and harmful content on the internet during a Government roundtable.
Business continuity management awareness and training
The Cabinet Office has published a document outlining some of the approaches to emergency preparedness training that will help support statutory guidance.
Goodbye to audio cassettes for police interviews
The NPIA has negotiated a new national arrangement with suppliers that will help forces switch from using out dated audio cassettes to digital technology to record and store police interviews. This will speed up the interview recording process and free up police officer time which can be used on the frontline protecting communities.
Largest UK police force connects to the NPIA Police National Database
On January 28th the Metropolitan Police became the latest force to connect to the new Police National Database (PND), which provides the police service with a powerful new tool to fight crime, counter terrorism and protect the most vulnerable in society.
Environment Agency opens access to flood warning data
The Environment Agency today unveiled plans for tailored flood warning services to be developed to better prepare utility providers, emergency services, insurers, retail and transport companies for flooding.
Change to sustain public sector ICT spend
According to a market intelligence specialist public sector investment on ICT is set to remain steady over the next five years in the face of the government's spending cuts.
O2 Unify' marks first major tie-up between a mobile operator and an IT services provider
O2 and 2e2 announce the creation of 'O2 Unify', a joint-venture that will provide businesses of all sizes with the opportunity to outsource their IT and communications needs to a single provider. This is a move that O2 says will add value to its customers, helping them tackle their business challenges and could drive efficiency savings of up to 30%.
ID cards consigned to the scrap heap as of midnight tonight
From midnight tonight identity cards can no longer be used to prove identity or to travel in Europe.
Latest Lexicon of UK Civil Protection Terminology has been published
The Lexicon establishes common, agreed definitions for terms used in the multi-agency arena of civil protection.
Happy New Year from the VP!
Hi all, As it’s the beginning of a New Year I thought I’d start a new tradition for BAPCO – a quarterly update from the Vice President – with apologies to all my future successors.
Aligned Assets launches “WebEx Wednesdays” to increase knowledge of gazetteer solutions
From January through to March, every Wednesday, both morning and afternoon, WebEx demonstrations will be available, through which members of the public sector can watch, hear and interact with presentations on a range of innovative and powerful gazetteer solutions, all from the comfort of their own office.
UK’s largest multi-agency National Flood Response Exercise launched
A one day launch event was held at Hawley Lakes in Surrey on 18th November and was attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries Richard Benyon MP.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service secures data with the “worlds most secure USB device”
IronKey, a manufacturer of secure and managed mobile computing solutions, has announced that it is working alongside IT Security Specialists Caretower to provide South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service with IronKey Enterprise to secure and protect data.
Steria and the Cleveland Police Authority obtain high satisfaction rating from local community
Steria has announced that its first 30 days of providing services to the Cleveland Police Authority has resulted in a 98.8% satisfaction rating for its call handling, as reported by members of the public.
US Department of Commerce announce strategy to enhance online security with a planned national office for identity trust
US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard A Schmidt have announced plans to create a National Program Office to help foster an environment in which sensitive online transactions can be carried out with greater levels of trust.
Guide to cloud computing published
New guide published by Kogan Page cuts through the industry hype and provides non-technical explanations about what cloud computing is and how it can improve business.
Kent County Council selects Siemens for “invest to save” transformation programme
Use of innovative technology regarded as key to achieving cost efficiencies and enhanced service delivery.
Government initiative for a definitive source of spatial address data
Last month Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced that addressing information from local authorities and Ordnance Survey would be brought together to create a ‘National Address Gazetteer Database’ to provide one definitive source of accurate spatial address data.
Public to benefit from enhanced flood warnings
New online flood forecasts and clearer warnings to help homes and businesses prepare earlier for possible flooding are part of improvements to the Environment Agency’s flood warning service that take effect from 30th November 2010.
Met hails CCTV success in 2010
2,512 wanted people – including suspected murderers and rapists – were successfully identified by the Metropolitan Police Service using CCTV in 2010.
All aboard covertly for British Transport Police
The British Transport Police (BTP) has awarded a five-year contract for abmpegasus Source Management – the covert human intelligence source (CHIS) management solution from ABM.
UK to build technology innovation centres
The government has invited organisations to register their interest in forming a technology and innovation centre focused on the area of high value manufacturing.
Capita purchases SunGard Public Sector for £86m
The Capita Group Plc announced on the 23rd December that it had acquired SunGard Public Sector Holdings Ltd (SPS UK) for a consideration of £86 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
BAPCO 2011 - visitor registration now open
Registration is now open for the BAPCO 2011 Exhibition, taking place from 13th - 14th April 2011 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Fire Minister Bob Neill calls time on FiReControl
Fire Minister Bob Neill MP has reached agreement with the main FiReControl contractor, Cassidian (formerly EADS Defence and Security), to call a halt to the troubled project.
Chronos leads consortium to develop a trusted service to detect and locate GPS jamming
Chronos Technology is leading a consortium, SENTINEL, which is a 24 month project to research and develop a service to establish the extent to which global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) – in particular GPS and Galileo and/or eLoran Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) signals can be trusted by users on a 24x7 basis.
SunGard and IPL team up for development of police back-office systems
Two of the UK’s leading providers of IT systems for police forces, SunGard Public Sector and IPL, have teamed up to develop a joint solution for the police back-office systems of the future.
First sea cross-border communication trial for German and Swedish authorities
Cassidian's TETRA radio network has provided a cross-border communication solution for German and Swedish authorities.
Motorola Solutions launches new TETRA Radio for fire departments
Motorola expands its TETRA portfolio with the MTP830 S – designed for use in difficult environments.
BAPCO Journal – now available online as an e-magazine
From now on you’ll be able to read the latest issue of the BAPCO Journal as an e-magazine.
Making criminal justice statistics more transparent
Making criminal justice statistics more transparent and user friendly is the aim of a consultation launched on the 17th of November.
Stop and search powers to change
New proposals laid in parliament today will save an estimated 800,000 hours of police time each year.
New flood warning system for Scots
Scots in flood-prone areas are set to benefit from a high-tech alert system which will warn them by text or phone call when flooding is predicted.
CESG certification for BlackBerry and Nokia
Cellcrypt, a provider of encrypted cell phone voice calling, has announced that the latest version of Cellcrypt Mobile 5.5, for both BlackBerry Bold 9000 and Nokia E71 smartphones, has been awarded the CESG Claims Tested Mark (CCTM) certification.
All aboard for British Transport Police
The British Transport Police (BTP) has awarded a five year contract for abmpegasus Source Management – the covert human intelligence source (CHIS) management solution from criminal intelligence, investigation and criminal justice software solutions specialist, ABM.
Beating the budget (with technology)
The Scotland Region of BAPCO have settled on the theme of “Beating the budget (with technology)” for a forthcoming regional event to be held at the Headquarters building of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service (ML3 0EA) on Wednesday 23 February 2011.
BAPCO 2011 Call for Papers: submission deadine extended until 26th November 2010
The deadline for submissions has been extended for papers for the BAPCO 2011 conference programme, taking place from 13-14 April at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
Team SPARTA is on track to deliver
An industry team led by Lockheed Martin UK is close to completing ground-breaking research that will enable military, blue light services and other public sector bodies to co-operate more effectively in times of emergency.
Read BAPCO President Elect’s Wheels of Fire
The use of vehicles and equipment by the fire service during and after the Second World War is explored in a new book by Alan House, BAPCO President Elect and retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
IEEE DySPAN 2011 announces 15 November 2010 as “call for papers” deadline
The IEEE Symposium on New Frontiers in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks (DySPAN), the international event dedicated to the latest emerging wireless technology research and next generation smart radio system demonstrations, takes place 3 – 6 May 2011 in Aachen, Germany.
Reducing Bureaucracy in Policing – final Jan Berry report is published
One third of effort is “either over-engineered, duplicated or adds no additional value”; technology should be exploited through adoption and convergence of national infrastructure; business-led common processes; mobile data; paperless case file; and digital recording of interviews.
Local authorities to “warn and inform” their businesses and residents for free
Vocal are offering an entry level warn and inform service free of charge until December 2010 to all local authorities in the UK, enabling them to fulfil their legal CAA requirements without cost.
“Shot spotter” location system integrates with CCTV and GIS
Indianapolis company CNL – a technology expert in physical security information management (PSIM) software – has designed a technology interface to the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System (GLS).
Norfolk health organisations benefit from high-speed network
NHS Norfolk and Norfolk Community Health and Care are providing staff with faster access to relevant information via a high speed network connecting 740,000 people in the Norfolk area. As a result, NHS staff will be able to administer care in the home to Norfolk’s geographically dispersed population.
Panasonic upgrades toughbook CF-U1 with new sunlight screen
Panasonic has upgraded its full function hand-held PC, the Toughbook CF-U1, with a revolutionary new sunlight screen technology and a 70% performance increase.
Deal signed for OS MasterMap at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) will be using OS MasterMap Imagery Layer in their command support vehicles to support major county incidents.
OmniPerception showcases next generation facial surveillance technology
UK biometric company OmniPerception unveils innovative light-immune, real-time facial recognition technology for the first time at Biometrics 2010 this week.
Northrop Grumman Wins $2.63 billion IT project for US Department of Homeland Security headquarters
The project will install a campus-wide IT infrastructure for secure communications and operations at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) St. Elizabeth’s headquarters in Washington.
Rugged mobile computing – consumer products are an “expensive false economy”
The spectre of stringent cuts in government spending has focused public sector investment on projects that improve efficiencies and deliver savings. Mobile computing places intelligence at the fingertips of first responders, enhances mission-critical operations, and improves safety. But consumer products represent an expensive false economy when it comes to meeting the demands of public safety agencies, writes Vincent Kennedy, UK and Ireland Sales Director.
Intergraph to be acquired by a Swedish global measurement technology company for approx. $2.125 billion
Intergraph will operate as a separate Hexagon AB division under the Intergraph name and branding. Intergraph will become Hexagon’s core software platform and will continue to provide differentiated and vertically-focused software solutions to its core industries.
Apollo and Hermes cut home burglaries by 80% in Devon and Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall have successfully reduced crime rates by implementing products from Radio Tactics, a provider of mobile phone forensics equipment.
Gloucestershire Constabulary addresses data quality issues
Gloucestershire Constabulary chooses SAS to tackle data quality for operational efficiency – the move is predicted to allow the force to have access to up-to-date intelligence enabling police officers to be in the right place at the right time more often.
Cassidian appoints first director of Emergency Services
Cassidian has appointed Phil Penning to the role of Emergency Services Business Development Director to expand its expertise in providing leading technology solutions for the blue light services.
Buckinghamshire FRS Selects GGP Response
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service procures a gazetteer management software and geographic information system (GIS) from GGP Systems.
BAPCO 2011 call for papers
The call for papers for the annual BAPCO conference (13-14 April, Business Design Centre, London) has been issued and guidelines are available here. Submissions are invited from all experts in the field of emergency information and data management.
Quango reforms “herald new age of accountability in Government”
As part of the Government’s commitment to radically increase the transparency and accountability of all public services, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, today summarised plans to substantially reform a large number of public bodies and also announced further proposals.
BAPCO 2011, 13 - 14 April, Business Design Centre, London
The call for papers for the annual BAPCO conference has been issued and guidelines are available here
APCO to host world congress in Dubai 2011
The APCO Global Alliance has announced the APCO World Congress, taking place in Dubai, June 6-8, 2011.
Ofcom welcomes increase to silent calls financial penalty
Ofcom today welcomed Parliament’s decision to increase the financial penalty available to Ofcom to combat silent and abandoned calls, from £50,000 to £2 million.
Bedfordshire's new IT for Fire Control
Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service is investing in new IT for its 999 firefighter mobilising unit at Kempston - as it can wait no longer for a proposed Regional Control Centre.
Free entry to 2010’s only dedicated business continuity expo
The BCM World Conference and Exhibition takes place on 3-4 November in Novotel London West, Hammersmith, London. As well as free admittance to the exhibition there is free participation to a range of seminars delivered by practitioners, consultants and service providers.
Report evaluates satellite phone performance
Frost & Sullivan recommends that heavy users of satellite phones, and first responders who rely on satellite phones for emergency communications, select the Iridium phone and service.
Cassidian (previously EADS) purchases UK cyber consultancy Regency Ltd
According to the company the acquisition will ensure it stays at the forefront of cyber security expertise and insights into emerging threats.
The IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) extends the call for papers deadline to October 5th for the 2011 Wireless Communications & Networking Conference (WCNC)
The annual event, which is to be held 28-31 March 2011 in Cancun, Mexico, is dedicated to the foremost research in wireless communications and networking technologies is expected to include the presentation of more than 500 technical papers, tutorials and business panels.
Northgate publishes comprehensive response to the Home Office’s policing consultation
A radical service revolution is required if UK policing is to meet the economic, political and social challenges of today, according to a wide-ranging response to the Home Office’s policing consultation Policing in the 21st century: reconnecting police and the people.
EADS Defence & Security changes its name to Cassidian
EADS Defence & Security, a world leader in global security solutions and systems for civil and military markets, today announced its official name change to Cassidian. The announcement was made by EADS and by Cassidian CEO Dr. Stefan Zoller.
New forensic tool reveals web cache evidence
Mobile phones have always been a rich source of forensic evidence in criminal investigations – but, until now, there has been a level of evidence which investigators have been missing out on: interpreting a phone's web cache files.
Motorola Solutions and Ericsson enter alliance to provide LTE-based solution for next generation public safety broadband
The industry leading LTE-based (long term evolution) solution for public safety mobile broadband will interoperate with mission critical voice and data to unify the delivery of high-performing voice and broadband multimedia applications.
Buying Solutions awards SunGard framework agreement
Buying Solutions, the national procurement partner for the UK public sector, has awarded SunGard Public Sector a position on its IT Managed Services framework agreement.
All change at BAPCO
At the BAPCO annual general meeting held on 27th July 2010 Hayden Newton was elected as President with Alan House and Sue Lampard being confirmed as President Elect and Vice President respectively.
USB drive receives formal approval for public sector use
The device protects confidential data through 256-bit encryption and is the first of its type to be certified.
New TETRA Internet portal containing database of TETRA applications
TETRA-Applications.com, the world’s first independent Internet Portal for TETRA communications professionals has announced that its Internet Portal has gone live.
Servo awarded framework agreement for UK public sector IT managed services
Servo is one of only 12 IT companies in the UK to be awarded a framework agreement for IT managed services by Buying Solutions, the national procurement partner for all UK public services and part of the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Office.
Service providers must embrace cloud services and bundle them into their enterprise solutions, says report by Analysys Mason
The report, entitled Enterprise cloud services: worldwide forecast 2010–2015, states that the global market for enterprise cloud-based services will grow from USD12.1 billion (EUR9.4 billion) in 2010 to USD35.6 billion (EUR27.5 billion) in 2015.
NICE incident management solution available as part of Motorola’s Dimetra IP radio system
NICE Systems has announced that NICE Inform - an incident information management solution for public safety organizations - has successfully completed integration testing for Motorola’s TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) Dimetra IP release 7.
More than half of police forces sign up to IAM managed service
New managed service provides viable route to secure information sharing, inter-force collaboration and operational efficiencies
Kent Fire and Rescue Service designs an Internet annual service performance plan
Kent Fire is the first FRS to design its annual service performance plan specifically for the internet. The plan, which has been published on its website, aims is to reach a wider audience with information on performance and plans for the future, as well helping reduce costs and the environmental impact of printing. The plan is also being promoted via social media such as Twitter.
Modernising Policing: reform and social responsibility
The Fourth Modernising Policing Conference (CPD certified) will take place at The Barbican, London, 7th December 2010.
Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service the first brigade to implement web map service from Ordnance Survey
OS OnDemand is a national web map service that serves raster images, including OS MasterMap Topography Layer, directly into a customer’s geospatial application using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) WMS standards.
New Flatbook makes debut in UK
German company Bormann has launched the Flatbook C09 mobile wireless PC for use in any police vehicle following what it calls “a very successful launch across Europe.”
Barnsley boost beat time
All frontline officers and police community support officers (PCSO) in Barnsley now have access to police records on the move, meaning less time at the station and more time in the community.
Crimestoppers signs for ABM’s confidential information recording system
Independent crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, has partnered with ABM in a five-year agreement for Information in Confidence (IIC), part of the abmpegasus suite of cutting-edge covert management tools.
Crimestoppers signs for ABM’s confidential information recording system
Independent crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, has partnered with ABM in a five-year agreement for Information in Confidence (IIC), part of the abmpegasus suite of cutting-edge covert management tools.
Northgate purchases police duty management system
Northgate Public Services has announced the acquisition of CARM Police Duty Management System from Concorde Informatics in a move designed to further boost Northgate’s demand management services for hard-pressed police forces across the country.
Survey reveals investment in technology remains a priority for fire professionals
PageOne Communications has revealed the results of a recently commissioned survey of 500 operations managers at fire stations throughout the UK. The survey looked into current trends in technology adoption; changes in fire service expenditure; and managers’ views on future social and environmental threats.
Iridium makes third donation to APCO International Silent Key Scholarship Fund
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announces that Iridium Communications has made a donation to support the organization’s Silent Key Scholarship Fund for the third year in a row
Ted O’Brien, Iridium’s vice president and general manager of the Americas, presented a check f
Manchester processes 330% more intelligence on crime using NBIS
Cityco, Manchester’s city centre management company, has reported a 330% increase in the amount of intelligence and offender data collated since implementing NBIS (National Business Information System), the web-based data sharing technology from Hicom. As a result Cityco has identified 47 prolific and persistent offenders operating within Manchester and has excluded a further 39 individuals from the city centre in the last 12 months. Cityco’s NBIS system now holds information on over 3,000 offenders who are known to Cityco’s Business Crime Unit.
IAFC President testifies in support of US public safety broadband network
International Association of Fire Chiefs President and Chairman of the Board Jeff Johnson, chief of Tualatin Valley (Ore.) Fire & Rescue, testified before the US Congress on July 27 in support of allocating the 10 MHz of the D Block portion of the 700 MHz band of spectrum directly to public safety to establish a 20 MHz wireless broadband network.
Ofcom makes two new 116 helpline numbers available
Ofcom today confirmed that it will make two new pan-European 116 numbers available in the UK.
Emergency service interoperability in jeopardy due to lack of standardised operational procedures
Coordinated emergency responses within and between the fire, ambulance and police service is hampered by the lack of standardised operational procedures, rather than technology according to a new report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Information is now at South Yorkshire’s fingertips
Police officers in South Yorkshire are now able to check an individual’s identity at the roadside within two minutes, following the introduction of a new mobile fingerprinting device.
Virgin Media Business delivers high speed network to eight Lancashire healthcare trusts
The £9 million project will connect approximately 170 healthcare sites, including those at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Blackburn with Darwen, NHS East Lancashire, East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, NHS Central Lancashire, NHS North Lancashire and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust.
Traka introduces stand-alone touch-screen system
The Traka Touch intelligent device simplifies key management whilst improving accuracy and efficiency.
St John Ambulance Lancashire selects sms solution from TMC to recruit volunteers in emergencies
First aid charity implements autonomous web-based text messaging solution to directly contact staff and volunteers in an instant.
Stone Group supplies mobile data terminals to Dyfed Powys police authority
Stone Group, the UK’s largest privately owned hardware manufacturer and technology solutions provider to the education and public sector, will supply and maintain 130 Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 mobile data terminals (MDTs) to Dyfed Powys Police, in a deal worth £638,000.
New DMR two-way radios join the digital race
Hytera, China’s number one communications company, has recently launched its new digital product offering in Europe.
Northrop Grumman introduces BioTRAC biometrics collection device
BioTRAC is a flexible, scalable and durable platform designed for in-theatre biometric capture, identity management, and mobile mission computing requirements.
Motion launches new line of rugged tablet PCs
Motion’s F5v Mobile Field Tool and C5v Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA) are industry’s first slate tablet PCs to integrate advanced Intel Core vPro processors
A security shell for handsets used by UK police forces
New solution against all current and future cyber threats to be used within Arqiva’s Police Mobile Data Solution.
Vacancy: Executive Director, BAPCO
Competitive package: closing date for receipt of applications 30th June 2010
Cutting through the complexity of policing at APA-ACPO 2010
The APA-ACPO International Policing Exhibition 2010 is set to be the most high profile event for police, police authorities and the Home Office following the General Election.
Protection from cyber threats launched for Arqiva’s police mobile data solution
Kaspersky Lab has announced that Kaspersky Mobile Security and Kaspersky Work Space Security are being used within Arqiva’s Police Mobile Data Solution, to protect handsets used by police officers, against all current and future cyber-threats. This latest innovation in front-line policing technology is currently being deployed across the largest forces in England and Scotland.
Iridium announces “test your satellite phone” week
Iridium Communications Inc announces the launch of its fourth annual “Test Your Satellite Phone” (TYSP) Week initiative, reminding users to make sure their satellite phones are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice when natural or manmade disasters strike.
Scotland's fire and rescue services are first in the UK to begin operating a new state-of-the-art digital communication system
Airwave, now operational in over 1,100 fire service vehicles and 368 fire stations in Scotland, is part of a UK-wide project to provide the fire and rescue service with the equipment needed to respond to major emergencies including terrorism.
Harrow Council adopts ‘zero tolerance’ fraud strategy using Civica Fraud software
5.00am at a Civic centre in Harrow and UK Border Agency and Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) officers arrest nine people as part of a contractor fraud investigation for Harrow Council in North West London. Despite what the papers say, benefit fraud is not the only type of fraud that local authorities are tackling.
BAPCO 2010 sees quality visitors and great business despite travel restrictions
It could be said that the timing of BAPCO 2010 could not have been worse in terms of the travel restrictions placed on the UK as a result of the Icelandic volcanic eruption. However, BAPCO 2010 saw leading decision makers and influencers attend from all aspects of public safety communications including members of local and central government, the emergency services, fire authorities, MOD, British Army, Department of Health and the Police, to meet with suppliers and source new solutions.
Security-focused approach to public sector data will cause ‘more damage than good’
SAS, the leader in business analytics, and Chris Higson, visiting associate professor of accounting at London Business School, have published a best practice whitepaper entitled Valuing Information as an Asset warning public sector professionals that adopting a ‘security first’ approach to data management and blind-folded cost-cutting will cause further inefficiencies and damage to public confidence in Government.
£3 Million National Framework for mobile identification units to assist Special Branch/Counter Terrorism Officers
APD Communications has announced a £3 million framework to equip Special Branch (SB) / Counter Terrorism (CT) Officers throughout the UK with APD’s cutting-edge Mobile Identification Units (MIUs).
FiReControl to use Intergraph geospatial public safety and security solutions
FiReControl will use map-based incident response management solutions from Intergraph to enhance public and fire fighter safety and provide rapid response for more than 50 million citizens.
Firebuy selects Excelerate for major incident equipment framework
The Framework commenced on 1st March 2010 after a call for submissions for the Supply, Repair and Maintenance of Specialist Equipment and Ancillary Products and Services in Support of National Resilience in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
Strategic super alliance of EADS and Alcatel-Lucent
EADS Defence & Security and Alcatel-Lucent have signed a strategic alliance to provide advanced broadband solutions to the US public safety market – and the cooperation may eventually be expanded to worldwide markets and other frequencies.
Arqiva upgrades Devon & Cornwall Police communications ahead of tourist season
Arqiva is upgrading communications technology at Devon & Cornwall Police Force's command and control centres, in preparation for the summer and the onset of millions of visitors to the counties.
Tendring District Council implements data sharing system to reduce crime
Tendring Business Against Crime (TENBAC), a proactive business crime reduction partnership, has announced that it has gone live with NBIS (National Business Information System) – a web-based data sharing technology from Risk Management and Crime Reduction software specialists, Hicom. Using NBIS, TENBAC is able to track and monitor the activities of offenders and produce detailed reports and analysis in order to reduce levels of crime in the area.
Carnation Designs has been selected as the preferred supplier of switching and power management systems for the NHS Ambulance Services national vehicle specification for frontline ambulances.
NHS Ambulance Trusts across England have been working towards this goal since 1995, collaborating closely with specialist vehicle providers to develop a national specification for frontline ambulances.
Practical help through the energy efficiency maze
Loughborough company becomes Official Endorser of the European Code of Conduct on Data Centres.
Free educational workshops, live demonstrations and the latest technology at the International Policing Exhibition
The APA-ACPO International Policing Exhibition, the UK’s biggest and most influential event targeted at anyone involved in policing and security, is being held from 30th June - 1st July at Manchester Central. Hosted in association with the Home Office, this leading event features the latest technology and services for policing and security from over 120 leading international suppliers and is free to attend for all police staff, associates and colleagues.
How heavy is your unmanned aircraft?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued updated guidance on the use of unmanned aircraft, following recent legislative changes. The advice includes the new regulations affecting small, unmanned aircraft weighing less than 7kg used for surveillance work.
Portable jammer prevents remote initiation of a radio-controlled bomb
A portable jammer connected to a pop-up tent creates an instant protective faraday cage to prevent the remote initiation of a radio controlled bomb.
MPs say FiReControl centres should continue
Communities and Local Government issues a press comment saying that the Government welcomes the report which supports the changes that it has already made to the management of the project, and that it will respond in detail to the Committee in due course.
Vodafone UK launches dedicated customer services team for emergency services
From today, Vodafone UK's emergency services customers will receive major improvements in the 24/7 support they receive. Vodafone customers include over 70% of all ambulance services, nearly 60% of all police forces and 50% of fire services in England, Scotland and Wales.
FiReControl “yet another catalogue of further poor judgement and mismanagement” by Department of Communities and Local Government, but should “press ahead”
The Government's programme to replace 46 local fire and rescue service control rooms with nine purpose-built regional control centres has been inadequately planned, poorly executed, and badly managed, says the Communities and Local Government Select Committee
Multi-million pound grant to develop mobile phone technology for involving citizens in policy making
Brunel Business School is leading an international consortium of academics which has won a multi-million pound grant to develop mobile phone technologies to involve citizens in policy making.
Latest news from BAPCO 2010
Here's the latest news from BAPCO 2010, if you haven't already confirmed your visit register free for the exhibition or book your conference place here.
New NPIA strategy focuses on swift justice and reduced costs thanks to police science
NPIA today (March 24th) publishes a new strategy focussing on cutting-edge science that helps the police to detect crimes in hours rather than days and creates safer neighbourhoods.
Ministry of Justice chooses IBM predictive analytics to help make streets safe
The UK Ministry of Justice is using predictive analytics technology from SPSS, an IBM Company, to assess the likelihood of prisoners re-offending on their release and to ultimately help improve public safety.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s IT team favours Supportworks Essentials help desk software
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has recently invested in Hornbill's Supportworks Essentials to facilitate its IT helpdesk. The IT team is using Supportworks to log all technical incidents and requests from over 2000 users located at 50 stations and its head office.
DMR Association Welcomes HYT and Team Simoco
Two leading Professional Mobile Radio vendors join the growing Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Association to promote affordable, interoperable and innovative digital radio solutions.
Birmingham City Council uses multi-channel messaging for mass notification
Birmingham City Council, the most populated local authority in the UK, has introduced a new Birmingham Community Alert messaging service to warn its residents and workers about emergency incidents from flooding and power failures, to major road closures, health risks and evacuations.
New lightweight helmets for trouble-free comms
Radio Telecom Services Ltd has announced their appointment as sole distributor for a new rescue communications helmet range.
Fake passports - AIM's solution
Faked British Passports and identity theft of the kind associated with the recent murder of a Hamas official in Dubai are preventable, claims one of Britain's leading technology trade associations.
Study into public safety mobile broadband and spectrum needs, by Analysys Mason
The TETRA Association has commissioned Analysys Mason to undertake a study to gather information on future public safety user requirements, based on a review of existing documents and reports recently published in Europe.
ZoneSearch: where would you be without it?
An innovative new mapping and information system that promises to improve the efficiency with which response and recovery units initiate their operations has been launched by York-based data supplier, Simunix.
New dates for ACPO-APA Conference and Exhibition
It has been announced that the annual ACPO-APA Summer Conference and International Policing Exhibition will run on a later date line than previously published.
Three minute interview: is the future WAP-shaped?
Iain Ivory, Senior Marketing Solutions Manager, Enterprise Mobility Solutions, Motorola (EMEA), talks to BAPCO Journal's Jose Sanchez on WAP developments for the emergency service community.
New Home Office-funded CDRP/CSP (Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership/ Community Safety Partnerships) academies/qualifications have been announced - nationwide throughout March 2010
The fully funded Home Office CDRP/CSP training academies for CDRP/CSP Data Analysts, Managers and chairs aim to enhance data sharing and analysis between local CDRP/CSPs and A&E Departments.
Cadcorp introduces a new incident support mapping application for the UK fire services market.
The Cadcorp Incident Support Mapping System (ISMS) extends the range of applications available to fire services that are based on the Cadcorp SIS – Spatial Information System product suite. It has already been deployed at a number of UK fire services.
Nottinghamshire Police puts customers at the centre of the service – case study
The Nottinghamshire Police control rooms were highly commended at the 2009 CCF European Call Centre Awards for improvements undertaken since April 2007. The only public sector organisation in their category to be shortlisted, key improvements included the streamlining of the crime recording process through the Crime Wizard module from criminal intelligence IT specialist, ABM.
iPhone ap for USAR responders
TEEX's Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) division, based in College Station Texas, has launched the first iPhone application designed, tested and fielded by the agency.
Data sharing technology achieves 26% reduction in shoplifting
Once labelled as having the highest rate of shoplifting in the UK, Croydon Business Crime Reduction Partnership (CBCP) was created to provide a safe and secure town centre for customers, staff and visitors to Croydon. Working in partnership with local retailers and business owners as well as a number of local authorities, CBCP has significantly reduced crime in the area, achieving a 26% stock loss reduction for May-August 2009, compared with the same period in 2008.
Glasgow city centre rolls out 400 cameras following successful trial
It is estimated that the Night Zone initiative has so far prevented 700 crimes, amounting to savings of £500,000.
Free new BlackBerry software for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Windows small business server
Research In Motion has today introduced BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express - free new server software that wirelessly and securely synchronises BlackBerry smartphones with Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Small Business Server.
Devon and Somerset signs up for operational intelligence software
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have become the eleventh UK brigade to sign up to the early adopters programme for Innogistic’s new CFRMIS Operational Intelligence Solution. The solution has been designed in close co-operation with the UK Fire and Rescue Services, many of which are also implementing the new software as a part of the early adopter scheme.
New Ford demonstrator uses Microbus vehicle technology
Ford Motor Company, in conjunction with Ford Special Vehicle Preparations (SVP), has developed a brand new demonstrator featuring the latest Microbus technology to provide a Police-specification mobile data and traffic enforcement ready vehicle.
Virgin Media Business bids for public sector savings
Virgin Media Business – previously known as ntl:Telewest Business – has been launched today, with the aim of helping the public sector realise the £3bn in efficiency savings set out in the Government’s pre-budget report.
Satellite phone lands traveller in terrorism trial
Andy Pag (35, London), a "green" traveller attempting to drive around the world in a vegetable oil powered bus, is due to face trial in an Indian court after being arrested on suspicion of terrorism when police found he was possession of a satellite phone, however the case has been delayed for the 4th week today by police repeatedly failing to meet court deadlines to finalise the charges against him.
Microbus technology helps to catch bad drivers
Microbus in-vehicle computers are part of a new roadside monitoring initiative by Greater Manchester Police to reduce road traffic accidents.
Case study: protecting the IT infrastructure of Britain’s most dispersed ES network
How Highlands & Islands Fire and Rescue Service is ensuring the network security and integrity of its IT system.
Modernising the police
Robert Leach, Client Partner – Police, BT Global Services UK, writes on the difficult future faced by the UK Police Service and the role of IT in taking on this challenge.
Registration is now open for the BAPCO 2010 Exhibition
Registration is now open for the BAPCO 2010 Exhibition, taking place from 21-22 April 2010 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
Public consultation on VOIP from ECC
The concept of a single emergency telephone number which would allow people to access emergency services was based on the traditional fixed-line phone networks. As a system it has worked very well but in recent years has struggled to keep up with the increasing penetration of mobile telephony.
North Yorkshire Police purchase I/Disclosure system from Intergraph
North Yorkshire Police becomes third force to purchase public safety systems specialist Intergraph's 'I/Disclosure' software, which supports the local police checking process for Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) vetting.
Early warning systems for the public
The European Parliament has issued a Written Declaration acknowledging the importance of efficient early warning (EW) for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies and with a view to reducing suffering and the loss of human life.
AIM-bound Relay Station offers free voice message broadcasting trial
Free trial allows government agencies, local authorities, emergency services, enterprises and sports clubs to measure the immediate impact of voice message broadcasting on their operations.
Force must act “corporately” as regards mobile information solutions – Flanagan Review
The Review of Policing by Sir Ronnie Flanagan (final report) has been published – here is a summary of the IT/communications-related points raised in the lengthy report.
Enabling efficiencies for the Police - Airwave responds to the Flanagan report
Barbara Nash, head of Marcomms at Airwave, discusses how the success of mobile data relies on securing the support of the officers who will be using it.
PSAEW: reaction Sir Ronnie Flanagan Report
Response to the publication of Sir Ronnie Flanagan’s Review by Chief Superintendent Ian Johnston, President of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales.
British Transport Police use GIS to tackle Crime
British Transport Police (BTP) is to work with Aligned Assets to link all its key systems including Command and Control into an open spatial environment with a single address database based upon the NLPG.
Warning and informing the public conference – ensuring civil awareness and resilience
The conference will take place on Thursday 13th March in central London (venue to be confirmed). A half-day workshop entitled Connecting in a crisis – building strong media relationships will also take place on the 14th of March (delegates who attend both events will receive a 20 per cent discount).
Cybit wins award for competitive strategy leadership
Online Telematics Service Provider (TSP) Cybit has been awarded the 2007 European Light Commercial Vehicle Telematics award from Frost & Sullivan for Competitive Strategy Leadership.
