PocketJet

Starting next month, all of the Harbor County Sheriff's Office patrol cars will be receiving a technology upgrade. This upgrade will include features such as the legendary Panasonic Toughbook mobile computer, and a printer mounted in each patrol car.

The Toughbook computer is a ruggedized laptop specifically designed to withstand the abuse of police work and features a mobile broadband internet connection, a touch screen interface, and access to local and national criminal information databases allowing Deputies to search through a wealth of information all from their patrol cars.

One of the biggest improvements in technology comes in the form of a custom in car printing system, designed by Brother International. Using the Brother PocketJet thermal printing system, each patrol car will have the ability to print directly from their in car computers. “This is going to be a big increase in the quality of the service that we provide to the public,†explains Sheriff Dan Shaw, “With our current system, when a citizen needs information about a service call such as the Deputy’s name or case number, we use a hand written business card. That’s a small piece of paper and handwriting can be hard to read and fades over time. With the new in car printers, our Deputies can quickly enter all the relevant information for their reports in real time on the scene of every call, and can then print a special summary page with their name, case number, and any relevant information.â€

Sheriff Shaw also explained that the new system will allow Deputies to print citations, notices to appear in court, warrants, and other legal documents that historically have been hand written on carbon copy paper. “With electronic records we don’t need old fashioned carbon copies and paper any more. So our Deputies will be able to simply swipe in a drivers license or ID card through the integrated card reader to add a person’s information, enter any charges or narrative statements about an event, and then print the appropriate citations and other documents. It’s going to allow our Deputies to not only do their job faster and more efficiently, but do a better job for the public too.â€

Thanks to Evanscornelius for the console, NickieB for the Whelen Sapphire, Ridgerunner for the Toughbook, and JohnClark1102 for the PocketJet printer.