FOCUS Intrepid NETWORKS STING Mobile App
poses—specifi cally to communicate with their team members. As such, Intrepid Networks designed
the system architecture so that no data is stored on the mobile device. The fact that Intrepid Networks stores all the data with their own secure servers and none of the data is stored on the mobile device itself is a huge benefi t, according to Winslow. “The notes, photos and all data is deleted from the device, so if a subpoena is served, it is directed at Intrepid and not the offi - cer’s personal mobile phone,” he said. Of course, there is an option for agencies to store the data on internal servers.
Photos can be collected using STING, and all information is geo-tagged and time-stamped for accuracy.
“invaluable” to security operations. Also, Winslow said there is a department in Florida that is currently using STING for patrol purposes, which has reported time savings with traffi c court mainly because of the automatic time- and location-stamp photo abilities of the app.
STING Administration STING, which has been around for about two years, was developed by founders Britt Kane, who has an ad- vanced technology background, and Joel Villa, who has a military background. The app is designed to operate with existing commercial wireless devices as well as next-generation tactical radios. The mobile apps are built for both iOS and An- droid operating systems, while the Web applications can be utilized by any Internet connected device with a modern browser. While some police departments offer department-issued phones to their offi cers, many do not, but that doesn’t limit the of- fi cers who want to use STING. Today most police offi cers, and most fi rst responders in general, carry their personal smartphones while on duty and use them for work pur-
24 LAW and ORDER I May 2014
Fees & Facts Intrepid Networks, which has been around for four years, controls the distribution of the mobile apps and it is not available in the Apple App or Google Play stores. It is meant for teams or larger groups to synchronize operations. To date, there are many nationwide agencies using the STING system, and Intrepid Networks is currently discussing deployment options with more than 200 agencies. Prices vary, so interested departments
The STING app is suitable for SWAT, narcotics, vice, surveillance, mobile fi eld force, and advanced traffi c/ patrol units.
should contact Intrepid Networks to ask about pricing based on their department size (volume discounts are available). There are subscription options with rela- tively inexpensive annual service fees as- sociated with the service, and there is also a one-time purchase fee option where the agency can use its own servers or pay a fee to have Intrepid Networks manage the data on Intrepid servers. STING is designed specifically for
law enforcement operations. Other situational awareness solutions on the market are developed for military re- quirements fi rst and then marketed to public safety. “Every agency deserves a product designed exactly for its needs, and we designed STING specifi cally for law enforcement agencies,” Winslow said. Reader Service Number 204
Yesenia Duran is the former managing editor of, and current contributing editor to, LAW and ORDER Magazine. She specializes in police technology devices and may be reached at
ydsalcedo@gmail.com.
With police radios, you can only transmit so much information at one time. STING offers a better way to create situational awareness.
LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting
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