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PDAs for everyday use
In these exciting times for mobile data knowing which force has trialed which device could be useful. Dan Worth talked to some leading suppliers and manufacturers to find out more regarding PDAs on the market today.
EU FloodCommand rehearses pan-European response
A major international exercise using advanced new technology to help European nations improve their response to massive coastal flooding was held in April. Emergency command centres in the UK, Sweden, Holland and Ireland worked together to coordinate a joined-up response to a simulated tsunami in another EU member state.
Developing a road map for the future
During the BAPCO panel super session a panel of experts talked about maximising the benefits provided by integrated information and communications technology (ICT). Here we present summaries of two of those presentations.
How to harness the power of cameras and sensors
How to fully harness in times of crisis the combined power of the thousands of cameras and sensors that populate the land? That is the question that DYVINE (Dynamic Visual Networks), a project funded by the EC’s Sixth Framework Programme, has been endeavouring to answer since September 2006. The answer is due in a few months time, and the solution could be highly attractive for contingency responders all around the world.
Hands on radios
Consumer mobile phone technology is now also driving advancements in PMR and handsets, writes Ann-Marie Knegt. However, it is now more important than ever to ensure that basic user requirements are not forgotten.
eCall differences
In the March issue of BAPCO Journal we reported on the ground swell of support that is building up across Europe for the introduction of eCall and the fact that the UK has declined to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. In this issue, Ian Readhead, President of BAPCO, and holder of the Communications Portfolio for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), explains how the operation of the UK’s Telematics Protocol differs from the proposed eCall system, and what role BAPCO could play in ensuring that both industry and professionals are fully prepared for the ‘telematics’ future.
Round table event on mobile information
Mobile Information is a topical subject within the police service across the UK. Motorola, NPIA and Northern Constabulary took part in a round table event to share some of the experiences gained both from real life trials and the day-to-day experiences of mobile data early adopters.
FiReControl – one year on
The FiReControl conference at the recent BAPCO show attracted much attention from members of the English FRSs, which is not exactly strange when considering the sheer scale of this project. Ann-Marie Knegt provides an extract of Ian Griffiths’ (EADS) presentation.
New SMS text service for deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired people
The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has launched an SMS text service to enable deaf, hearing and speech impaired people to contact the service by text in an emergency.
Rugged notebook technology for SORT
The Scottish Ambulance’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) – part of the National Risk and Resilience Department – has invested in rugged notebook technology to help in its highly specialised operations.
A Day In The Life...
An ex-ship’s radio officer, Brian Faulkner has been the Radio Communication Manager at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, for ten years. In this the first of a new series charting the day-to-day lives of information management movers, users and shakers, Brian speaks to BAPCO Journal about the many communications-related projects the RNLI is currently involved in.