The Hollywood Police Department is a professionally accredited, full-service Law Enforcement Agency comprised of over 570 members. While regarded as a leader in the Law Enforcement community, the Department’s technology required significant upgrading.

In 2004, the citizens of Hollywood approved $5 million in General Obligation Bond funding for Police technology initiatives. Previously, Officers used antiquated Mobile Data Terminals which limited their ability to access information.

With GOB funding, the Department acquired technology which enables Officers to work in a more efficient and effective manner, enhances Officer safety and allows Officers to remain in your neighborhood for longer periods of time.

Hardware Purchased:
Panasonic CF-29/CF-18 Touch Screen Laptops with Verizon EVDO Air Cards:
Used by uniformed Officers, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Narcotics Officers, K-9 Officers, Motor Officers, Community Service Officers and Crime Scene Technicians.

Array Microphones:
Allows Officers to conduct verbal queries of tag and license information. Reduces typing, increases safety.

MAGTEK Driver’s License Readers:
Officers “swipe” a license which quickly completes electronic forms.

ZEBRA Thermal Printers:  
Eliminates hand-writing errors, creating a professional finished document.

In-Car Video Camera Systems:
Used by all DUI Officers and select Patrol Officers to record traffic stops or field contacts. Studies have shown this system will reduce citizen complaints, reduce liability, help Supervisors with complaints and is an excellent training tool.

Software Purchased:

• Premier Mobile Data Computer Software by Motorola:

Allows Officers to perform the following:
View Dispatch information.
Increase Supervisory oversight.
Provides Officers with important (BOLO) information.
Mapping program helps Officers locate addresses.  
View photos of wanted persons.
Electronically complete traffic citations and crash reports.

• CJNET:

A secure Law Enforcement site that allows Officers to view a suspect’s photo and criminal history.

• Advanced Public Safety’s “QuickVoice” Software:

Officers verbally query vehicle registration information. The software program verbally responds with the owner’s driver’s license and warrant information.

• CrimeView Software:

This is being developed by the Police Department; the program will allow citizens to conduct on-line crime queries. An electronic pin map will depict where certain incidents occurred within the City. It also provides crime analysis tools for the Department.

Other Technology Purchased:
Document Imaging:
Records Staff scan Police documents which allow for easy retrieval. All documents related to a case (incident reports, affidavits, statements, arrest affidavits, crash reports) are imaged as well as crime scene photos. This product will increase storage space and reduce off-site storage fees.

Timekeeping Software:
Ensures accurate fiscal accountability and aids Supervisors in determining appropriate staffing levels. Reduces paper waste and refines administrative tasks.

Reverse 911:
Automated messages alert residents of mandatory evacuations due to a hurricane watch/warning, advise the community of Sexual Predators who have recently moved into a neighborhood or other law enforcement activity. This technology makes thousands of phone calls in a fraction of the time it would take civilian staff.  

Benefits of Technology:

• Efficiency
  Completing Traffic Citations and Crash Reports, which used to take long periods of time, are now literally completed in minutes.
• Effectiveness
  Reports are completed via the Officer’s laptop, eliminating time-consuming hand-written reports.
• Reduced Costs
  All documents are transmitted wirelessly, eliminating copying costs.
• Instant Information
  Before computers, Officers were reliant on Dispatchers for call information or Teletype Operators for warrant information. It would take several minutes for the Officer to receive information. With the laptop computer, this information is now received instantly.
• Safety
  While on patrol, Voice Activated Software allows Officers to concentrate on their driving. This will reduce the potential for Officer related crashes.