3G Info-Cop

US : Info-Cop has rolled out technology that ensures continuous wireless data service, and thus relieves public safety agencies' concerns about dying cellular digital packet data (CDPD) wireless networks as carriers announce plans to move from existing CDPD to faster and more reliable 3G, or next-generation, wireless networks.

As a result of these anticipated system transitions, public safety agencies that rely on voice and data communications face the challenge of ensuring the viability of their systems. Info-Cop bridges the conversion gap for transitioning systems from first- to next-generation wireless networks because it is the only solution that can be run over all popular public or private wireless networks, such as conventional radio frequencies, existing CDPD networks and even advanced next-generation networks.

Info-Cop is affordable overlay software that provides real-time access to local, state and federal crime databases for faster and more accurate law enforcement and emergency response. By entering information only once, an officer using Info-Cop can simultaneously tap into eight massive databases and receive data and photos in just two to four seconds.

Traditionally, it takes a beat officer five to 10 minutes to check the databases individually with a dispatcher. "There is increasing concern among public safety agencies seeking interoperability between existing 2.5G and emerging 3G networks for voice and data communications," said Rich Picolli, founder and CEO of Info-Cop. "Over the years, public safety agencies adopted wireless technologies for CDPD networks. With CDPD being shut down and replaced, these agencies must ensure the viability of existing technology infrastructure."

Verizon Wireless plans to migrate its existing CDPD customers to its CDMA2000 1X network in 2005. In addition, AT&T Wireless is no longer actively adding new CDPD customers and will cease operating its CDPD network in mid- 2004, hoping to migrate users to its GPRS network.

"The majority of the public safety infrastructure is using the first- generation CDPD networks," said Picolli. "The entire public safety industry is battling to keep systems operable with the transition to next-generation wireless networks before those CDPD networks are discontinued."

Using Info-Cop, officers can use a wireless computer network, accessed from laptop computers or wireless handheld PDAs, to get complete motor vehicle and warrant information, as well as any available photo images. Info-Cop also improves officer and public safety by enabling real-time tracking and sharing of any summons or warnings issued on the Info-Cop system.

As the number of Info-Cop subscribers grows, the system's usefulness increases, because Info-Cop allows users to access and create real-time records for other Info-Cop subscribers to view. That immediate access to federal, state and local databases empowers officers to assess situations more quickly and accurately and to act accordingly.

Info-Cop was created by a team of professionals in 2001 and has been quickly and successfully deployed by more than 150 law enforcement and emergency response agencies.