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New back-office suite for Lothian and Borders Police
Lothian and Borders Police complete the implementation of SunGard’s UNIFI solution to replace its legacy application.
Arqiva helps police to get MobileAware
Arqiva has announced an exclusive reseller agreement with MobileAware, a provider of technology for mobile data solutions based in Ireland and the United States.
Mobile Satellite Services in Europe: Frequently Asked Questions.
The European Commission has launched a call for candidate operators of pan- European mobile satellite services that takes place for the first time under a single EU-wide selection mechanism. This new mechanism is designed to give industry the necessary confidence to invest in EU-wide services, even in previously uneconomic remote areas. It could allow companies, as of 2009, to offer innovative wireless services to consumers throughout Europe.
New facial recognition technology help forces save time and identify suspects
The identification of suspects from custody photos and CCTV footage is a vital part of police work at detecting criminals. New technology being pioneered by a number of forces across the UK is helping to improve the police’s database of suspect images and the availability to other forces across the Police National Computer (PNC).
Single Border Force to protect the North of England
New Border Force is largest shake up of Britain’s border security for 45 years and will help stop organised criminals trying to cheat their way through the North of England's gateway port at Teesport.
DNA Database should be run by an independent authority
A new report from Human Genetics Commission has said that the police National DNA Database should be placed under the control of an independent statutory authorit and there should be a nationwide information campaign to explain why DNA samples are taken, how they are used and why they are retained.
Flexible VoIP phones bring big benefits to Fife Council
A new VoIP system serving over 12,000 users has been implemented under budget at Fife Council, bringing business benefits and significant ongoing cost savings.
Northgate to acquire Anite Public Sector business
Northgate Information Solutions has announced it has agreed to acquire Anite Public Sector Holdings Limited, which incorporates Anite’s local government and secure information systems businesses, for a total cash consideration of £54.3 million
New HR function for MET from Steria
Steria have announced a new contract with the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) to transform their human resources (HR) function.
Metropolitian Police Authority discuss Stockwell scrutiny report
The Metropolitan Police Authority’s (MPA’s) Stockwell scrutiny report over the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes, was discussed by members at a meeting on Thursday 24 July.
Motorola choose NICE for Public Safety Network
Motorola has chosen NICE Inform for Denmark’s Nationwide Public Safety Network with the aim of combining radio over IP and telephony communications.
Sussex gets joined up
Sussex Police are in the process of rolling out a new system for Intelligence Management and Crime reporting, from Nottingham-based company ABM UK. BAPCO Journal visited Sussex Police’s headquarters in Lewes to find out more.
New £35m expansion by EADS opened in South Wales
A significant £35 million expansion of EADS Defence and Security Systems Ltd flagship centre in South Wales, to expand aerospace and defence and security systems, has been opened by the Duke of York.
Internet based software helps those with reading difficulties
A program that helps those with reading difficulties to browse the Internet more effectively has been launched by Bradford based company Webmotion in conjunction with Texthelp Systems.
Airwave adds two train operating companies to its network
Airwave, the provider of Great Britain’s emergency service radio communications network, has announced that it has signed train operating companies Southeastern and South West Trains to its network.
New contract for VT Group to manage fleet of emergency vehicles
Defence and support services company VT Group has signed a contract with Firebuy Limited, on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG), to provide capability management for the New Dimension fleet of emergency vehicles and equipment modules.
New round of funding for the NPIA to purchase more mobile computers
The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) will use their £25 million funding from the government to purchase a further 15,000 handheld computers to help give police officers the best possible information while on duty. From this investment, the total number of handheld computers will reach 30,000 by March 2010.
New Autopage software for Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police has introduced a second Autopage email gateway server to help increase its system for maintaining effective and reliable communications.
Free website from Zubed Geospatial maps London crime data
Zubed Geospatial, a division of Triad Group PLC., has launched a free website ,called ZubedPI, that maps London crime data, making it easy for the public to access public information.
Biometrics degree offered from Robert Gordon University
The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has launched the first ever course specialising in biometric security systems in response to the growing need for biometric experts. The course, entitled ‘MSc intelligent Biometric Security Systems’, aims to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of skilled personnel in the biometrics and security industry.
Pitt recommends FRS Statutory responsibility for managing floods
The Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) welcome the report by Sir Michael Pitt, ‘Learning Lessons from the 2007 Floods’, in which he recommended that fire and rescue services should have a statutory duty for dealing with flood events.
Glasgow's Subway to be equipped with Britain's Safety Radio Communications System
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has awarded Airwave the contract to install the Airwave network throughout the Glasgow Subway.
Latest Patient Record Management System From e-Docs UK Delivers Results for NHS Lothian
A new document scanning and storage solution, being implemented by NHS Lothian, is set to revolutionise the management of the clinical records of around 800,000 patients in the region,
Airwave explain the benefits of the new NPIA Acceleration Package
Roger Marsden, Client Director - Mobile Data at Airwave, (and an inaugural member of BAPCO since inception) explains some of the key features of the recently awarded NPIA / Airwave Acceleration Package and discusses how UK police forces can benefit from the Package under the current government push for mobile information.
Airwave expands its mobile information package
The Home Office recently announced their commitment to meet the recommendations in Sir Ronnie Flanagan’s report. Mobile information roll-outs are now being fast-tracked across UK police forces.
Exercise Oasis aims to improve interoperability across the EU
Exercise Oasis is a four-year EU sponsored programme that has seen industry, academia and research institutions join with the emergency services to find solutions to interoperability across Europe and the UK. It is being heralded as the foundation to a European Emergency Response system.
ACPO-APA Conference Preview
The ACPO-APA Conference takes place at the end of June and will feature a wide selection of talks, many of which will be of importance and interest to readers of the BAPCO Journal. We highlight just a few of the talks taking place of interest
IAFC Digital Project Working Group produces best practices presentation
The IAFC (International Association of Fire Chiefs) Portable Radio Best Practices presentation has just been posted for download to the IAFC website.
BAPCO Journal subscriber offer for Wireless and Digital Cities conference
The third annual Congress for Wireless and Digital Cities will take place in Barcelona, Spain in 11-13 November 2008 World Trade Center, building on the previous two conferences in Cannes, France.
The bigger picture: increasing the role of technology
A vision that encompasses the local and the big picture – Olaf Baars, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, during BAPCO Conference.
Thales give live demo of Indoor Positioning System
Thales UK
A live demonstration by Thales Research & Technology carried out in early May successfully showed their new Indoor Positioning System (IPS) technology at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.
Security channel website launched by Honeywell
Honeywell, a manufacturing and technology company, have announced the launch of a brand new website that features a wide selection of videos to showcase the newest security technologies, introduce leading industry personalities and examine real-world security projects.
BlackBerry roll out for Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police force is to equip 1,100 police officers and Police Community Support Officers with BlackBerry smartphones, under a scheme funded by the Home Office and the National Policing Improvement Agency.
New accessory for TETRA radio
Stop Noise, a specialist in professional audio accessories for TETRA, and EADS Defence and Security have announced the introduction of a new accessory for the THR880i TETRA radio.
Partnership announce launch of new product
Savox Communications LTd and EADS Defence and Security have announced the introduction of a new robust and user-friendly audio accessory for its THR880i at the TETRA World Congress
New contract for EADS
EADS Defence and Security has been commissioned by the Qatar Ministry of Interior to operate its secure nationwide TETRA radio network.
New managment solution for TETRA terminals
EADS Defence and Security has announced the introduction of a smart, secure and scalable solution for TETRA terminal management with its new TAQTO system.
New frequency bands for EADS TETRA products
EADS Defence & Security has announced new frequency bands for its THR880i Ex and TMR800i terminals and its TB3 TETRA base station.
New messaging system for education developed
PageOne, a messaging technology company, has announced the launch of an open source Moodle module that allows Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) users access to its JANET txt messaging service.
Sepura launches new TETRA digital radio
Sepura have announced the launch of its STP8000 series of hand-portable digital radios, adding to its existing portfolio of TETRA digital radios.
Ambulance Trust's new software management system
NETconsent, a policy and procedure management software vendor, and partner Global Secure Systems, announces a new implementation within the North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
Roadshow days on call handling within public and health sectors
Telephonetics VIP, a speech recognition and voice automation specialist, is hosting a number of speech roadshow days for the health and public sectors.
Northgate launches new and improved gazetteer
Northgate Information Solutions, providers of services to the public sector and utilities markets, has launched a new system designed to support the emergency services when responding to incidents.
Ofcom awards spectrum licence
Ofcom has announced the outcome of its fifth auction of radio spectrum, this time for spectrum in the 1452 – 1492 MHz band, known as L-band, which is suitable for services such as mobile television, wireless broadband and satellite radio.
Consortium acquires contract for Ireland's National Digital Radio Services
Eircom, Motorola and Sigma Wireless (TETRA Ireland) has been selected to deliever, as well as manage and operate, the contract for the nationwide TETRA System Deployment in Ireland.
Drive to create a standard for the interface of network video products
Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems and Sony Corporation have announced that they are to cooperate to create an open forum aimed at developing a standard for the interface of network video products.
Aligned Assets provide new gazetteer for Birmingham City Council
Aligned Assets has announced that Service Birmingham has become their latest gazetteer customer and will be making use of their Symphony Suite software to construct their Local Land Property Gazetteer (LLPG) for Birmingham City Council.
PDAs for everyday use
In these exciting times for mobile data knowing which force has trialed which device could be useful. Dan Worth talked to some leading suppliers and manufacturers to find out more regarding PDAs on the market today.
Funding for police forces to purchase mobile data devices announced
Policing Minister Tony McNulty, in conjunction with the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Association of Police Authorities and the National Policing Improvement Agency, has announced the distribution of funding to 27 police forces for a total of 10,000 handheld computers to help officers increase time spent on the beat.
EU FloodCommand rehearses pan-European response
A major international exercise using advanced new technology to help European nations improve their response to massive coastal flooding was held in April. Emergency command centres in the UK, Sweden, Holland and Ireland worked together to coordinate a joined-up response to a simulated tsunami in another EU member state.
Developing a road map for the future
During the BAPCO panel super session a panel of experts talked about maximising the benefits provided by integrated information and communications technology (ICT). Here we present summaries of two of those presentations.
How to harness the power of cameras and sensors
How to fully harness in times of crisis the combined power of the thousands of cameras and sensors that populate the land? That is the question that DYVINE (Dynamic Visual Networks), a project funded by the EC’s Sixth Framework Programme, has been endeavouring to answer since September 2006. The answer is due in a few months time, and the solution could be highly attractive for contingency responders all around the world.
Hands on radios
Consumer mobile phone technology is now also driving advancements in PMR and handsets, writes Ann-Marie Knegt. However, it is now more important than ever to ensure that basic user requirements are not forgotten.
eCall differences
In the March issue of BAPCO Journal we reported on the ground swell of support that is building up across Europe for the introduction of eCall and the fact that the UK has declined to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. In this issue, Ian Readhead, President of BAPCO, and holder of the Communications Portfolio for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), explains how the operation of the UK’s Telematics Protocol differs from the proposed eCall system, and what role BAPCO could play in ensuring that both industry and professionals are fully prepared for the ‘telematics’ future.
Round table event on mobile information
Mobile Information is a topical subject within the police service across the UK. Motorola, NPIA and Northern Constabulary took part in a round table event to share some of the experiences gained both from real life trials and the day-to-day experiences of mobile data early adopters.
FiReControl – one year on
The FiReControl conference at the recent BAPCO show attracted much attention from members of the English FRSs, which is not exactly strange when considering the sheer scale of this project. Ann-Marie Knegt provides an extract of Ian Griffiths’ (EADS) presentation.
New SMS text service for deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired people
The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has launched an SMS text service to enable deaf, hearing and speech impaired people to contact the service by text in an emergency.
Rugged notebook technology for SORT
The Scottish Ambulance’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) – part of the National Risk and Resilience Department – has invested in rugged notebook technology to help in its highly specialised operations.
A Day In The Life...
An ex-ship’s radio officer, Brian Faulkner has been the Radio Communication Manager at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, for ten years. In this the first of a new series charting the day-to-day lives of information management movers, users and shakers, Brian speaks to BAPCO Journal about the many communications-related projects the RNLI is currently involved in.
New thermal imagers for police
Designed specifically for the police and security teams Irisys (InfraRed Integrated Systems Ltd.) has announced the launch of the IRI 4011 and IRI 4041 Handheld Thermal Imagers.
Winner of first Emergency Control Room Manager of the Year named
The winner of the first Emergency Control Room Manager of the Year has been named as Louise Delamere-Timms of Kent Police by the CCMA, (Call Centre Management Association), fighting off competition from ambulance, police and fire services across the United Kingdom.
MoD orders 20,000 licenses to protect laptops
After the spate of data losses a few months across a variety of public sector agencies the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invested in 20,000 licenses from BeCrypt to protect its data and encrypt laptops used by the RAF, the Army and the Navy.
New CEO for SunGard Public Sector
SunGard Public Sector has announced the appointment of John Gibson to the position of Chief Executive Officer of its UK business.
Tasmania emergency services get new radio network
Tasmania’s emergency services departments, located on the island to the south of mainland Australia, is to receive a standards-based radio network to coordinate its nine essential services, including police, fire and ambulance in the event of a terrorist attack as reported
Debate over radio spectrum space continues
The debate over whether or not emergency organisations should have to compete for radio spectrum space continues with police, fire fighters and hospitals from across the EU joining together to try and secure radio frequencies for their own services – in contradiction with the EU Commission’s market-driven and flexible approach.
SunGard win Queen's Award for Enterprise
SunGard Public Sector and specifically its SunGard DS2000 Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS) has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2008.
Response to Sir Ken Knight's Flooding Review
The Flooding Review published in March entitled “Facing the Challenge” (written by Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser to the government) has made reference to some of the communication issues that arose from the summer floods of 2007, and we outline some of the main ones below.
BAPCO North West and North Wales Region AGM – including Grayrigg train crash presentation
After the business of the AGM had been concluded Brian Mitchelhill, the new Regional Project Manager for the fire service, carried out a presentation on the Grayrigg train crash.
Launch of a “starter kit” for wireless communications
The concept of wireless mesh networks is beginning to creep into the radar of the emergency services. They are seeing the potential benefits of having instant wireless communications during disasters such as fires, hurricanes, floods, snow storms, infrastructure failure (e.g. bridge/building collapse), as well as during the course of special events (eg sporting/hospitality).
Breaking the language barrier
A system that enables emergency services and other organisations to communicate with non-English speakers is being launched at BAPCO 2008. BAPCO Journal interviewed Bob Carnell of Lattice to find out more about the innovative new product.
Guest webcast on emergency and disaster management
Emergency/disaster management: interoperable voice, video and data communications networks.
Ministry of Defence to study driving habits
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that it is to undertake a comprehensive research study into driver behaviour across a sample of its organisations. The MOD will use GreenRoad Technologies’ Safety Center in 200 vehicles across the UK to monitor and evaluate driving behaviour for six months.
Ensuring success when deploying mobile data solutions
Making the right decision as regards mobile data is tough – particularly when considering the fast pace of technical evolution and a growing market. Martin Kendrick, CEO and founder of Brand Communications, outlines where he thinks police forces should be focusing their efforts.
The Ordnance Survey map out their role
The role that Ordnance Survey mapping data can play for the emergency services was recently on show at a series of five Emergency Services User Group meetings.
The importance of protecting against data-loss
The past couple of years have seen a huge rise in the use of remote, wireless and mobile access to computer networks. Many people now use laptops to carry files and data from place to place and can use wireless connections to work from almost anywhere they please. But there are dangers of data loss with these new advancements.
In support of mobile data
Interest in the use of mobile data to improve police effectiveness is growing apace – but it's a complex and potentially costly business. You must be sure that you are deploying the right technology in the right way to realise the benefits that mobile data can bring. Simon Eggleton, Head of Mobile Data at Airwave, looks at some of the ways mobile data can reduce the administrative burden.
The Emergency Planning Society Annual Conference and Exhibition 2008
Wide-area flooding is now considered to be in the ‘premier league’ of risks the UK and Ireland currently face and, in the future, such events are likely to become more commonplace and severe. With this in mind, turning a blind eye to Climate Change will only create greater challenges in the future.
Steria and Beat Systems launch joint mobile data initiative for UK Police
Steria, together with Beat Systems, have jointly announced entering into a strategic partnership to launch a mobile data initiative that they believe will transform the way UK police deliver public protection to the local community.
Isle Of Man Pockets Motorola’s Covert TETRA Terminals
Motorola has been chosen by the Isle of Man Government Department of Home Affairs to supply a fleet of covert TETRA terminals. Motorola will supply the covert devices in mid 2008, which will be used by the Isle of Man Constabulary and Customs & Excise.
Hong Kong International Airport Selects Motorola’s TETRA Digital Radio System
Motorola has announced that the Hong Kong Airport Authority has selected Motorola’s TETRA digital radio system for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Grayrigg Train Crash Presentation and Regional AGM
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the North West and North Wales of BAPCO Ltd will be held at 1700 on Tuesday 12 March 2008 at Lancashire Police Headquarters, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5SB
Results of Ofcom's fourth spectrum auction
Ofcom today awarded licences to ten organisations following Ofcom's fourth auction of radio spectrum.
Brother’s plans for BAPCO exhibition
Bearing in mind the contents of Sir Ronnie Flanagan’s report, it is likely that the Brother stand (number 444) at BAPCO exhibition will be very busy indeed. Unless public safety professionals can print in situ, Michelle Molloy, Brother Business Development Manager (Mobile Solutions), believes the full benefits of mobile data will never be realised.
A Guide to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
By Peter Harris, Head of Mobile Data at Arqiva’s Public Safety division
The use of mobile technology within the emergency services is on the rise. Mobile Data is evolving and the extent of its potential usage is huge, opening up invaluable opportunities and benefits for all those within the field.
Aligned Assets are helping British Transport Police with their Enquiries
Eight Terabytes of base mapping, aerial imagery together with over 100 million names and addresses is now available to the British Transport Police (BTP) to help with their enquiries.
Announcement on the future of the Northumbria 101 service
The Northumbria 101 Partnership has expressed disappointment at the end of the 101 non-emergency number service within the Northumberland and Tyne & Wear area.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs chooses Airwave in £60 million contract
Airwave, the UK’s public safety communications service provider, today announced that it has been selected by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to provide its Criminal Investigation and Detection teams with digital radio communications.
APD launches INCA2
The first IP-enabled vehicle tracking, monitoring, control and connectivity solution has been launched by APD.
Freeing Up The Valuable Public Spectrum
Government, its agencies and other public organisations including the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be able to share, trade or release their considerable radio spectrum holdings under new plans announced by Ofcom.
Sepura wins major contract in Hungary
Sepura has won a contract to supply TETRA digital radios to the Hungarian Disaster Management Agency. This sales win comes after other recent successes across Eastern Europe, including Russia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Slovenia.
BIODEVII pilots highlight process challenges over technology
Motorola has played a key role in five of the European Union’s eight BIODEVII projects, led by France, helping to create biometric solutions for border control in Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
Notice of Annual General Meeting of the North West and North Wales BAPCO
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the North West and North Wales Region of BAPCO Ltd will be held at 1700 hours on Tuesday 11 March 2008 at Lancashire Police Headquarters, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5SB
BAPCO Journal embraces the future
As part of a continuing effort to improve communications with the membership and provide enhanced membership benefits the Publisher of the BAPCO Journal, Hemming Information Services, in consultation with the BAPCO Executive Committee, has introduced a number of new initiatives to improve the service the Association magazine offers its members.
In-building coverage and capacity event in Budapest
A conference that will explore current and emerging technologies aimed at answering the challenges of in-building coverage and capacity will take place on Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April 2008 at Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, Budapest, Hungary.
Mobile high tech solutions for Berkshire
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has taken delivery of two new high tech mobile incident command vehicles with a new Command Support System to match – and the system is also currently being installed on all of London Fire Brigade’s mobile command vehicles.
Integration is the key
The secret behind an efficient ICCS (Integrated Command and Control System) is creating the right combination of knowhow and technology. Together with Fire Minister Parmijt Dhanda, Ann-Marie Knegt was the first to see the technology behind FiReControl at the EADS DS facility in Newport, Wales.
FREDOM for Bucks FRS
Buckingham Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Doug Gruchy talks to BAPCO Journal about a new system that aims to dramatically cut down the time spent on administration work and allow more time to be spent working within the community.
Preparing for the brave new world of BT’s 21CN
David Groom was at the recent BAPCO roadshow to introduce BT’s 21CN – 21st Century Network – and explain the impact this will have on the emergency response in the future.
Ready for BAPCO 2008?
With only just over three months to go before BAPCO 2008 takes place in London, everyone is wondering what delights are in store for visitors. Ann Marie Knegt talks to some of the speakers to find out a few of the issues that will be raised at the popular workshops.
We are watching you
Can integrated and fully accessible CCTV that is immediately available to whosoever needs it be more than just a dream? It certainly can, as Dan Worth finds out.
Reaching the core
All the signs point towards mobile data technology becoming even more embedded in the core business of the emergency services during 2008. Carol Jenkins investigates.
VOIP - out with the old in with the new
The growth in VoIP is presenting a whole new set of challenges for the emergency services, as BAPCO Journal found out recently. Dan Worth reports from The London Fire Brigade Training Centre, the location for the South East Region conference, “What does VoIP offer?”.
MLL Telecom becomes an official government supplier of wireless broadband networks
MLL Telecom, which specialises in building and operating wireless broadband networks, today announced that it has been formally approved as an official supplier by OGCbuying.solutions. This will give MLL privileged access to the public sector market and reflects MLL’s strength and experience in the wireless industry.
High Profile Focus On Public Safety And Security
The latest technologies and products for the critical areas of public safety and security were on display at International Security & National Resilience (ISNR London), which was held at London Olympia last month.
Highways Agency appoints ATOS Origin on £75m IT management contract
The Highways Agency has appointed Atos Origin to manage its information technology provision and infrastructure - the contract began in December 2007.
£4.4 million seized from criminals to boost policing
Police forces across England and Wales are to receive a £4.4 million cash boost from assets seized from criminals between July and September 2007, Home Office Minister for Crime Reduction Vernon Coaker announced last week.
Thirteen police forces sign up for Northgate’s Safety Awareness services
Northgate Information Solutions has announced that a further thirteen police forces are set to tackle dangerous driving through the innovative Safety Awareness Scheme.
Independent Review Issues Call to Action on Flood Risk
Sir Michael Pitt, December 2007
OGCbuying.solutions awards Affiniti new Telecom Networks Framework Agreement
Communications integrator Affiniti has been awarded four lots of the new Catalist Telecom Networks Framework Agreement by OGCbuying.solutions, following a round of rigorous evaluation and qualification.
New NLPG Software Assists in the Civil Contingency Sector
Aligned Assets, a supplier in the address gazetteer and GIS fields, has recently been awarded a contract from British Transport Police (BTP), who recognised Aligned Assets NLPG accredited Symphony Suite could help in tackling crime by streamlining their location information.
New communication software set to safeguard the nation from disaster
An emergency communications agency has announced the launch of a new piece of software, which will help protect the people of Britain in the event of disasters and incidents, as well as provide an efficient communications service for large-scale organisations.
REVEAL MEDIA LAUNCHES CARMA 2.0
Body-worn video management software specialist, Reveal Media, has today announced the launch of CARMA 2.0 - Camera Archive and Management software, which is currently being piloted by Staffordshire Constabulary on their network.
PageOne technology helps Adastra enhance communication within the NHS
PageOne, provider of wireless messaging solutions to the public and enterprise sectors, today announces that it has dramatically enhanced its relationship with healthcare software company Adastra, by supplying their NHS customers with it’s latest messaging technology. Adastra already offers its customers PageOne’s paging system and, impressed by PageOne’s ability to integrate both paging and text messaging in one cost-effective service, have upgraded their service to encompass messaging.
Priority Dispatch Corp. and Intergraph Enable UK Ambulance Services to Reduce Impacts of System Updates
– Priority Dispatch Corp. and Intergraph today announced the successful deployment of Intergraph’s I/CAD Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) Test and Deployment Lab at PDC’s offices in Bristol.
Ofcom confirms VoIP providers must provide access to 999 and 112
Ofcom today confirmed that from 8th September 2008, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services that allow users to make calls to normal national phone numbers must also have the ability to connect to 999 and 112.
London authorities invest in technology to secure the safety of its staff, business community and residents
A major step towards protecting 600,000 Londoners from disaster has been reached after two of the city's largest local authorities, secured contracts with the UK's leading emergency communications company.
Warwickshire Police keeps Arqiva on its beat
Arqiva today announced that Warwickshire Police Force has renewed its radio communications managed-services contract for a further three years in a deal worth £1.8m.
All eyes on London as Ofcom plans spectrum use for the 2012 Olympics
Ofcom today set out its approach to planning the use of radio spectrum for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
SmartLine secures PDAs and Smartphones with new functionality
SmartLine’s DeviceLock software now controls Windows Mobile to PC-device communications
Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, responds to Sir Ronnie Flanagan's interim report on the Review of Policing
On 29 November 2007, the Home Secretary responded to Sir Ronnie Flanagan following the publication of his Interim Report on the Review of Policing. The full response can be found at:
Ofcom has announced the details for its Spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
The planning document published by Ofcom addresses issues that it must consider in planning spectrum use for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (the
Spitfire receives Avaya Gold award
Spitfire has received a Gold Accreditation award in recognition of the company’s status as a leading Avaya solutions partner. The Gold Accreditation reflects Spitfire’s competence to supply and maintain Avaya’s complete telephony solutions range, including phone systems, terminals and peripherals.
ITIL-aligned infraEnterprise for Police & Emergency Services
The split of the Home Office into two separate departments has rendered 2007 a year of unprecedented change for the criminal justice sector. With a mission to refocus “on the priorities of today’s world and the priorities of today’s people”, the new era of change spans police reform at every level. And from an IT perspective, the creation of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) has brought the issues of governance and common standards firmly to the fore.
Hampshire Constabulary automates ITIL processes with Infra service desk
Hampshire Constabulary is the second largest non-metropolitan police service in England and Wales and polices the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, covering an area of 418,000 hectares and serving a population of 1.8 million in 730,000 households. Based at Headquarters in Winchester, the IT and Communications Services (ITCS) department provides support for the IT infrastructure that underpins police operations, including over 700 applications and vital command control systems such as the crime recording system.
Macquarie/National Grid Wireless merger
The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally concluded that the completed acquisition by Macquarie UK Broadcast Ventures Limited (MUKBV) of National Grid Wireless Group (NGW) would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the provision of broadcast transmission services to television and radio broadcasters. The merger combines Arqiva (a subsidiary of MUKBV) and NGW which are the only two integrated terrestrial broadcast transmission companies in the UK. The loss of rivalry between them could lead to higher prices and lower service quality.
Pandemic flu: A national framework for responding to an influenza pandemic
The Department of Health and the Cabinet Office have jointly published a new document: Pandemic flu: A national framework for responding to an influenza pandemic.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Board approves plans for EOC upgrade
The Board of West Midlands Ambulance Service has given the green light to plans that will lead to improved patient services across the region. The Trust is to create two large regional emergency operations centres (EOCs) in Stafford and Brierley Hill in Dudley with a smaller centre in Leamington Spa; the move will see the eventual closure of centres at Bransford near Worcester and in Shrewsbury.
EADS Defence & Security and Zetron announce system-level compatibility between two of their key technologies
EADS Secure Networks, an integrated Line of Business of EADS Defence & Security (DS), and Zetron announced today that the TMR 880 TETRA PEI Interface of EADS Secure Networks is capable of seamlessly integrating with Zetron’s newly enhanced DCS-5020 TETRA Digital Console System .
Traffic Managers from across Country visit Birmingham's National Traffic Control Centre
Traffic Managers from across the country are descending upon Birmingham this week for a conference aimed at showing how better traffic management and use of the latest technology can be used to cut congestion.
Progress on the creation of a £50 million Home Office fund to roll out 10,000 mobile data devices to police officers next year
The Police Service must be just as good at tackling anti-social behaviour as it is at tackling terrorism if it is to meet the challenge of leading a world class police service, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said today (29 November).
Complus Teltronic Demonstrate IoIP at IIPSEC 2008
Complus Teltronic Ltd, bring IoIP® (Intercom over Internet Protocol) to IIPSEC 2008, on stand 69. With the advances in IP technology, visitors this year will be able to see IP ready intercom units for plug and play solutions.
Ordnance Survey evolves its Partner Accreditation Programme
Ordnance Survey is to launch a new Accreditation Scheme as part of its Partner Alliance Programme to help it meet the changing needs of its partner community and customers.
SELEX Communications Partners with Hypres, To Develop An All-Digital Receiver For Software Radio Applications
SELEX Communications, a Finmeccanica company, leader in advanced mission-critical communications, navigation and identification solutions that protect communities and critical national infrastructure, has partnered with Hypres Inc., a leading developer of superconductor microelectronics (SME) technology, and the Digital RFTM product line, to develop an All-Digital receiver for the SELEX Communications software defined radio.
101 - Still Open for Business
Sheffield's successful 101 non-emergency service today assures residents that it is still open for business as usual - despite last week's very disappointing Home Office decision to withdraw funding from March next year.
Hampshire Constabulary opt for Northgate’s innovative speed awareness service
Northgate Information Solutions today announces that it is has been selected by Hampshire Constabulary to provide a pioneering managed service – the first of its kind in the UK - for the force’s Safety Awareness scheme.
Brabourne Communications Authorised To Supply Airwave Terminals
Brabourne Communications Ltd has been approved to supply Sepura TETRA terminals for use on the Airwave network in the UK
Steria wins MoD contract to run the Land Systems Reference Centre (LSRC)
Steria, a leading European end-to-end IT services provider, has been selected by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to run the Land Systems Reference Centre (LSRC). The five-year contract, to begin in January 2008, will see a team with Steria, as Prime Systems Integrator, carry out system tests and technical evaluation for the Joint and Land environments. These activities are scheduled for routine work and as a support activity to pre-deployment of systems, as required, helping to reduce risks, improve efficiencies and ultimately increase performance.
Consortium leads NERVE project to successful conclusion.
Imass Ltd, has successfully led a consortium of companies including 1Spatial, Newcastle University and Ordnance Survey, through a gruelling 2 year research and development project.
New online Personal Tracking service for Lone Workers
The BlackBerry and Pocket PC devices that have enabled local government workers to operate more effectively while on the move can now help employers meet their duty of care, thanks to VeriLocation’s latest product launch - a new online Personal Tracking Solution. The solution is based on VeriLocation’s leading bespoke web-based GPS tracking software and works with BlackBerry or Pocket PC devices with built-in GPS chip sets. This enables individuals to be traced in real-time using the internet to an accuracy of 10 metres anywhere in the world with one single device.
Biometric security could have protected 25m lost data files
“The recent loss by HMRC of personal data on 25 million people would never have happened had the data been protected by biometric security” said Mathew James, Managing Director of UK Biometrics Ltd.
The MotoLocator proves a popular tracking solution for emergency services
Motorola has supplied blue light services 20,000+ Licences for MotoLocator in 18 months. The licences span 12 countries across the world. MotoLocator is a software solution that provides a fast, efficient and flexible way to track people, vehicles and assets though the emergency services’ mission critical ASTRO and TETRA radio networks.
BAA Gatwick use text messaging in crisis
BAA Gatwick, like all major international airports and airlines, has a crisis management team on standby 24 hours a day. Every year, around 30 million passengers travel through Gatwick and the Crisis Team is on hand to ensure that any event with the potential to cause major disruption is kept to a minimum.
Home Office to pull 101 crime line
A petty crime hotline that has been piloted in five areas across England and Wales has had its funding rescinded across all five partnerships by the Home Office.
Nottinghamshire Police trial hand-held device
Nottingham Police are trialling a new scheme where 40 Blackberrys are to be used by officers on the beat.
Expansion for Interaction
Zenitel has launched its new RM-AC interface between STENTOFON AlphaCom E and the Ring-Master CB901. The integration offers Ring-Master users a migration path to advanced IP technology, even using a system purchased many or several years ago.
Airwave invests in training with QA-IQ: Critical Firelink project supported by technical skills
QA-IQ is to deliver technical and end-user skills training to support the critical Firelink communications project for the English, Scottish and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), having been appointed by Airwave (formerly O2 Airwave) to design and deliver a comprehensive training programme for technical staff, end-users and FRS instructors. In addition, QA-IQ will provide a fully managed service incorporating additional training from key technology vendors into the programme.
Acoustics at the speed of light
Protecting borders, pipelines, underground cables and critical infrastructure against accidental damage or malicious attack is particularly demanding due to the distances involved and the scale of the challenge. Protection of essential services is also high on the political agenda.
Britain’s Digital Elite Working for a Safer Hertfordshire
Britain’s newest crime-fighting web service, OWL, has been honoured as the winner of “Britain’s Digital Elite” in the Information Exchange category. It was judged by Microsoft and Real Business magazine as the most innovative use of software. OWL is a unique Internet based application developed by Direct Path Solutions in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and deployed across Hertfordshire for the police and public to administrate their Neighbourhood Watch schemes online and other schemes such as School, Shop and Pub Watch. OWL greatly enhances communications via phone, text messaging, fax and email along with a complete, practical, management system addressing multiple requirements across police and voluntary roles.
Blue Trees Rapid Response Service - brings new piece of mind
Blue Tree Services announces the launch of a new Rapid Response service for users of its GPS location devices. For the first time, subscribers can be confident that wherever they are, an Assistance Officer will always arrive to help them if they press their personal alarm.