NCJ Number
180917
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 26 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 62-66
Date Published
November 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police need particularly sturdy laptop computers for field use to prevent the need for frequent replacements; the best ruggedized computers are built to military specifications and require law enforcement to pay 50-75 percent more than they would pay for conventional computers.
Abstract
One opinion regarding police use of computers in the field is that the computer should be permanently mounted in the car. The other opinion is that police should use a laptop/notebook computer that can dock in the car and is also available for use elsewhere. Features to seek in a ruggedized computer include a tough case; anti-vibration; the ability to withstand heat, humidity, and cold; liquid-proof and droppable characteristics; daylight viewable screens; the ability to be upgraded; and a quality warranty of at least 1 year on parts and labor. Overall, the computer should be able to withstand the conditions that life on the streets can bring. Photographs and descriptions of six models of laptop computers