The article first describes the Oakland Police Department's system of wireless communication (Wi-Fi) that has been operating in patrol cars for the past few years. The system was installed in motorcycles by moving the voice radio from the back of the motorcycles to a side-mounted box, thus freeing up the rear box to hold the Panasonic "Toughbook" laptop computer system. This hardware was selected because it is tough and weatherproof. For Wi-Fi, each laptop is equipped with a Cisco Aironet 350 PCMCIA card. Each computer comes with a Sierra Wireless CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) built in for connections in areas without Wi-Fi. When not in use, the laptop rests in an upside-down position inside the radio box. It only turns upright when the lid is opened and it is in use, either in the case or swivelled out so a standing officer can access it beside the bike. The fact that the laptops are not waterproof is not a problem, since motorcycle officers do not drive in downpours according to departmental policy.