Mobile Data System Allows Information Sharing Between Police, Fire Personnel In Iowa Town

BIO-key International Inc. recently announced a new-customer contract award from the City of Dubuque (Iowa) Fire Department for MobileRescue, BIO-key's wireless messaging and data exchange solution for fire and emergency response.

By using MobileRescue, Dubuque's Fire Department personnel are now better able to track, deploy and manage resources using laptops -- installed in the agency's ambulances and command vehicles -- as well as desktop computers used by shift commanders. MobileRescue also allows Dubuque County's 911 Center to quickly and efficiently dispatch fire apparatus and rescue units to incidents and to communicate with responders while en route and on scene.

"Dispatchers love it," said Assistant Fire Chief Rick Steines. "With MobileRescue's interface to the county's computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, they know the current status of every unit. Additionally they're not tying up our tactical voice radio channels sending address and other information, which is now available to the responder on their screen."

A key factor behind Dubuque's selection of BIO-key's MobileRescue was that the solution enables the city's fire and rescue agencies to communicate with its police officers who also respond to most calls for service. Dubuque's Police Department has been a user of MobileCop, BIO-key's wireless law enforcement messaging and query solution, since 1994. Now all City fire, rescue and police personnel can share information with each other silently and securely to respond to an emergency call.

"Many jurisdictions that use MobileCop for law enforcement have discovered that adding MobileRescue for their fire and rescue agencies typically improves the efficiency and effectiveness of their first responders," said Michael DePasquale, president and CEO of BIO-key. "Deploying both solutions ultimately reduces ongoing IT support costs, generates additional savings in initial training and enables inter-agency information sharing while giving each department its own solution specifically designed to meet its unique needs."

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.