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Testing technology in motion across the board
The ever increasing levels of IT equipment being used in vehicles, be they police, fire, ambulance or indeed belonging to any CCA responder, it is perhaps even more important to ensure that the systems don’t conflict with one another, hence the purpose of the Automotive & Equipment Section (AES) of the NPIA. Explaining just how important a role the AES plays, Jim Mathieson, Head of AES speaks to The BAPCO Journal...
The list of devices that a modern police patrol car is equipped with is considerable: flashing blue lights, police sirens, videoing equipment, laser speed guns, mobile data terminals and GPS navigation systems to name but a few. The Automotive and Equipment Section (AES) of the National Policing Improvement Agency is responsible for making sure that equipment fitted onto police vehicles does not adversely affect the vitally important on-board police radio and of course, will not conflict with other equipment installed.
AES also tests new equipment to make sure the equipment is not only compatible with existing police service radios but does not ‘block’ or ‘de-sensitise’ existing equipment, thereby helping the police service avoid the teething problems that often comes with the introduction of new technology.
NPIA
The creation of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) on 1 April 2007 marks one of the most significant milestones in policing for many years. The police service in England and Wales now has the NPIA as its new ally to support the drive towards improvements in policing and to provide the critical services that forces rely on to go about their work. The agency takes over a wide range of responsibilities from the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) and Centrex, the police training and leadership body. PITO and Centrex ceased to exist at the end of March 2007.
The Automotive & Equipment Section was originally established in 1988 as part of the Home Office. The AES was transferred to PITO in 2003 and AES has now moved across to the NPIA. AES is fully supported by ACPO’s Vehicle Installation Steering Group.
Service supplied by AES
The service provided by NPIA’s Automotive & Equipment Section is unique.
AES ensures that electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is achieved and maintained between the ever-increasing array of electronic systems featured in modern motor vehicles and the operational equipment installed for police use. AES sets the EMC standards under which vehicles and equipment should be designed to ensure their safe and effective operation. AES also offers the police service and the wider public safety community unbiased guidance and support on the installation of electrical and electronic equipment, including radios & antennas, in police vehicles. Instead of burdening each force with carrying out electromagnetic compatibility tests on a piecemeal basis, AES’s workshops in Carterton, Oxfordshire brings together the needs of the police service, the radio and other terminals industry and the vehicle and on-board equipment manufacturers under one roof. Over the past 12 months for example, AES Carterton assessed the electromagnetic compatibility of approximately 90 different types of vehicles, including motorbikes, from an array of manufacturers.
Functions
AES has seven main functions in respect of vehicles and on-board equipment:-
Research & Development into motor vehicle EMC topics
Production of EMC Specifications for Police vehicles and equipment,
Validation and certification of vehicles/equipment against the EMC Specifications,
Provision of Guidance and Codes of Practice on vehicle installation matters,
Provision of a vehicle EMC workshop to support the above activities and to carry out installation assessments and investigations on operational vehicles,
Provision of a “First Line Support Team” to Police forces on vehicle installations. The team works with forces to minimise potential installation problems.
Provision of guidance on antennas.
Although the service provided to date has predominately been police led, Head of AES Jim Mathieson said, “Police vehicles equipped with the latest equipment are, effectively, technology in motion. At AES, our job is to test the electromagnetic compatibility of equipment in police cars. AES supports frontline police officers by making sure the equipment in their patrol vehicles works properly.”
He pointed out, however, that the unit also works with the wider public safety community. Continuing he said, “AES shares its expertise and the technical specifications it has developed with other key sections of the public safety community. In fact, public safety workers based as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the USA have benefited from knowledge and expertise AES has accumulated over the years.”
Closer to home, AES provides other blue light services, the fire and rescue service, and the ambulance service, with support and guidance. AES is addressing possible fire service electronic interference problems experienced by vehicles supplied in the ‘New Dimension’ programme.
Of the many service activities provided by AES, one of the most important can be summarised by looking at the steps necessary for a successful installation.
Firstly, the prospective police vehicle is assessed against the EMC performance of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to be used by the Police (and Fire) services. This is termed Spec 6 Compliance.
Next, the police equipment is assessed against conformance relating to the EMC performance of vehicle mounted, electrically powered equipment, designed for use with Police (and Fire) service vehicles. This specification, termed Spec 5, has recently been updated to and is available to all suppliers of equipment and to test houses involved in assessments.
Finally the installation is performed in line with the code of practice laid down by the National Association of Police Fleet Managers.
After installation, AES can perform a Spec 13 assessment which involves inspecting the installed vehicle, and performing EMC checks for on-board equipment mutual compatibility.
AES is also active in other areas in relation to advice and support. For example, AES recently commissioned a Guidance Note GN45 which identifies the requirements of the European Commission Automotive EMC Directive 2004/104/EC, and offers an interpretation of its content.
AES promotes research and development through partnerships with Sheffield and Canterbury universities.
Further information on the work of the Automotive & Equipment Section is available from the Head of AES, Jim Mathieson on mobile 07887 821 392 or email jim.mathieson@npia.pnn.police.uk
