[FedCom] Laptop Computers, Access To Local Systems, Etc.

[Arthur-Bryan E. Phelps]

Several major fed agencies, especially DEA, use any number of "Junkers" for
surveillance work. Typically a low power handheld is used for comms. Nextel
is used extensively. For some ops., however, a more official but low profile
unit containing an MDT will be parked some distance away from the "action"
in a "central" location and run and printout the plate info, etc. for later
pickup by the agent in charge. These units will also maintain and coordinate
operations with other LE entities, if needed. 

-----Original Message-----
From: fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Chris Parris
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 9:47 PM
To: Discussion of Federal Government Communications
Subject: Re: [FedCom] Laptop Computers, Access To Local Systems, Etc.


>
> Have you seen any federal users deploying laptop computers out in 
> their vehicles?  I would think that for certain operations in some 
> agencies it might be rather handy to have a notebook computer with the 
> ability to access certain databases, car to car text messaging, etc.

I have not seen any federal agencies cars with laptops installed in the same
way police vehicles sometimes do. I have not seen any of the marked Federal
Protective Service cars lately to see. However, I'm certain that some
federal vehicles, particularly FEMA, have many computers working in them.
I'm also certain that many agencies are doing SMS or text messages between
Nextels...

>
> What agencies and in what areas are you seeing federal users joining 
> local/county/state users on existing radio networks?  For example, we 
> have a Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.  They have 
> their own VA Police, but disbanded their fire department some time ago 
> and contract with Saint Paul Fire and Safety.  Since many local users 
> are joing the ARMER network, which is 800 mHz P-25 trunking, I could 
> see where having VA Police on ARMER be an advantage for coordination.  
> Right now they are on their own 400 mHz conventional P-25 system.  I 
> don't know if they have the ability to access the ARMER system, but it 
> could have its advantages.  And if they have a law enforcement 
> incident it might be helpful for them to access the system to 
> coordinate with Minneapolis Police, Hennepin County Sheriff, Airport 
> Police, Minnesota State Patrol, etc.

Same in other areas too, Jim. In m home area of Portland, OR, the VA Medical
Center has completely abandoned their VHF and UHF federal channels, and now
use more than a few talk groups on the regional 800 MHz public safety
system. Other federal agencies also have talk groups assigned on this same
system, but they are not using them as their primary means of
communications.

>
> I did post something a few months back about the GRE PSR-500 and 
> forthcoming PSR-600 for federal monitoring.  I am curious if anybody 
> here is using a PSR-500 for federal monitoring and, if so, how well it 
> works out.

I haven't gotten mine yet, but I'm starting to get more and more federal
logs with P-25 NAC information from listeners, so it appears somebody out
there is using them for federal monitoring!

- Chris


  --
Chris Parris
Fed Files Columnist
Monitoring Times Magazine
chrisparris at monitoringtimes.com
http://www.monitoringtimes.com
http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/
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