Digital


Report looks at the future of UK police technology


A


major new report, The Future of the Force: Police,


Technology and Serving the Public, has been released by AIMTech Consulting. The report, commissioned by


Airwave, the company behind the UK’s Tetra network, explores the changing nature of policing and the opportunities for technology to help forces drive effi ciencies, free offi cers from back offi ce tasks, and deliver a higher quality service. The fi rst part of the report


builds upon the results of a national survey completed by more than half of all UK police forces. The survey looks at the state of police technology today and expected areas for development. The second part of the report


builds upon interviews with senior police offi cers, government offi cials and chief technology offi cers of companies supporting the police service. In the fi nal section, the


report explores the potential for emerging technologies such as sensors and augmented reality as well as ethical issues relating to their use. It includes contributions from independent technology and policing experts. Dr David Allen, senior lecturer


at Leeds University Business School and senior consultant at AIMTech, commented: “The report highlights many new sources of structured and unstructured information. Making that information available remotely via a range of devices will enable remote working practices and free offi cers from the back offi ce. Interoperability will support the sharing of information and will be key to effective collaboration with other services – in the case of command and control, for example.”


10


Sepura announces acquisition of software experts Portalify


S


epura has announced the acquisition of Portalify, the Helsinki-based


applications developer. Portalify provides end-to-end


solutions for mobile working via a suite of software applica- tions which increase the safety, productivity and effi ciency of professional mobile radio users, regardless of the communications standard in use by the customer. Its existing portfolio includes task management, asset location,


image messaging and database query applications. Portalify’s products are


primarily deployed within the public safety sector in Western Europe. As an established Sepura’s Solutions Partner of several years standing, Portalify has a good knowledge of Sepura’s customers, their requirements, and the capabilities of Tetra. T is will facilitate a smooth


integration into Sepura’s customers’ systems and enable the promotion of Portalify’s applications through Sepura’s comprehensive worldwide routes to market. Gordon Watling, chief


executive offi cer of Sepura (pictured), commented: “Software tools and applications are becoming increasingly important to our customers as they seek to enhance user safety and drive operational effi ciency from their investment


in digital communications. Portalify’s software expertise complements our existing product portfolio, enabling us to broaden the service we off er our customers while securing long-term relationships with them. We look forward to enabling Portalify to reach its full potential with Sepura and our established global partner network.” Hannu Aronsson, founder


and chief technology offi cer at Portalify, said: “Sepura has a strong track record of product leadership, and we are proud that Portalify’s applications will become an integral part of Sepura’s solutions. T is deal provides the springboard for Portalify to reach more customers, faster, than we could as an independent company, and we are excited by the new opportunities that Sepura will provide.”


Tait boosts America’s Cup bid E


mirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) has been equipped


with 22 of Tait Communication’s latest TP9400 digital portable radios, as they bid for the America’s Cup. The radios feature the


same sophisticated encryption employed by police forces around the globe to prevent the interception of sensitive communications – vital for keeping ETNZ’s team secrets safe from competitors. The team’s chief operating


offi cer, Kevin Shoebridge, stated: “On the water, we need to be able to monitor ever- changing conditions, assess different options and react in seconds. The Tait radios are a critical tool on-deck, allowing the team to work together with maximum speed and


Tait’s digital radios can withstand the harsh marine environment


effectiveness when it really counts. “Furthermore, the built-in


encryption makes sure the team’s communication stays private. As we approach the start of the series, the stakes get higher and competitors will spy on each other to seek any advantage.


“It’s a special thing to know


we’re being backed by world- leading technology designed and engineered right here in New Zealand.” The highly ruggedised radios


have been designed to withstand the harsh marine environment in which the team operates.


LAND mobile August 2013


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