Memphis Police Upgrade Mobile Data Network

The Memphis (Tenn.) police have upgraded their PDA-based mobile data system by adding REDFLY smartphone terminals so officers have a full-sized keyboard and screen to make inquiries and write reports. The department’s officers are using an HTC-designed smartphone, the VZ6700, on the Verizon Wireless network. It uses the Windows Mobile operating system, operates in EVDO mode, and features a side-opening, QWERTY keyboard. But the 240×320 resolution screen and smaller keyboard can limit field tasks. The solution is to attach the REDFLY terminal to the smartphone via USB cable or Bluetooth, gaining a full-size keyboard and 800×480 screen, mirroring all the applications available on the smartphone, and using the smartphone’s cellular connection. MPD has now issued 1,200 REDFLY terminals to its officers, and in a press release says that report typos have been reduced and officers now write much more detail. Read more about the REDFLY terminal here.