Technology Helps OPP Keep Manitouwadge/Marathon Safe
Manitouwadge OPP Vehicle with new Mobile Workstation installed. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON –
The Ontario Provincial Police relies heavily on its investment in information technology and telecommunication resources to deliver a variety of services from front-line policing and specialized investigations, through to the many vital administrative support functions.
Information technology is a cornerstone in OPP operations and business processes and is critical to fulfilling the OPP’s vision of ‘Safe communities and a Secure Ontario.’
Marathon and Manitouwadge OPP detachments have recently received new Mobile Work Stations (MWS). Essentially, these are in-car computers which use the cell-phone towers to operate. The Mobile Work Stations have been used in Eastern Ontario, where Manitouwadge Sergeant John Hatch previously worked, for the past three years. Sergeant Hatch said he could honestly say that the Mobile Work Stations had “Revolutionized how I did my police work” explaining that he was “No longer tied to a chair or office to do my work”.
The MWS allow officers to write reports, query vehicle licence plates, do CPIC checks, and even surf the internet for addresses, all from the car.
There is also the capability to swipe a driver’s licence, and all the information on the magnetic strip autopopulates into a program which helps police write tickets easier.
