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Procedures for Implementing Project54 in a Police Department

The following is a step by step approach to implementing Project54 in a Police department.

Step 1: Information gathering

Obtain detailed information on the police car configurations. This should include the manufacturers and models of all installed police equipment including any computers assigned to vehicles and any related communications equipment, such as modems, etc.

An Example:

Vehicle: 2003 Ford Crown Victoria,

Light Bar: Code3 360 light bar with Smart Siren

Lights: Wig Wags in all four lights with Whelen Controller.

Radio: Kenwood model 790 with standard head.

Radar: Stalker DSR

GPS: Raymarine Raystar 120

Computer: Panasonic Toughbook CF-28 with touch screen, 512 megs of memory.

Data: Data to cars using Ather packet cluster with an ATT GSM Modem.

Once you have collected your information your next step is contact a certified P54 installer or P54 staff via the website email address. P54 staff can advise of the nearest installer or provide install advice and documentation.

Notes:

1. Installing P54 equipment in an existing car does NOT require the removal of equipment or re-installation of any standard police devices. P54 works in parallel with your currently installed hardware, so nothing need be removed you just need to add the required wiring to interface whatever computer is chosen with the devices that are to be controlled by the P54 system. Most professional installers can perform P54 installs with a minimum of assistance. The most complex part of the P54 system is installing the software on the in-car computer and the maintenance of that computer. Any department wishing to use P54 will need to have the services of a competent computer technician. A computer running P54 software is not more complex than one used for standard police software.

2. If the department is purchasing the P54 components directly then they will need to get advice from and installer or P54 personnel as to what kit to purchase. Different kits are offered by vendors and can even be ordered customized to the department. The kits can very widely based on the in-car inventory of controlled devices and computer used. If a department is buying parts directly from P54 suppliers the department should be aware that acquiring some spares is recommended.

Step 3: Preparing Support systems for P54

Access to the State MV records is one of the most useful features of the P54 system. To have such access requires some type of wireless data access and/or a version of the MV records installed in a database inside the car. This access will need the support of an infrastructure in the state or city, that can support the wireless access needed to get the data to and from the cruiser.

P54 supports mobile data in cars if such support is desired by the department and supported by a Radio or wireless network infrastructure. The P54 system supports data in cars either transmitted through a digital radio system like the Motorola Astro P25 system or a local cellular data system like Ather Packet Cluster or CDPD.

If a department wishes to add this type of in car data query capability then this must be discussed early in the process with either the authorized installer, State data system personnel and/or P54 support personnel. This type of support through P54 often requires some custom software development since most state data systems do follow any particular standard. This assistance can be provided on a fee basis by P54 staff or they can provide guidance if you wish department staff to do the work.

Step 4: Schedule a Test Vehicle

The best way to introduce P54 into your department will be to outfit a test vehicle, or more than one if your department is large. The use of test vehicle will allow officers to receive training on the P54 system and to have all local or non-standard issues to be resolved. This can be particularly useful if are integrating in-car data systems and other public safety software.

Before the rest of the fleet has P54 installed it will be necessary for support planning to occur. The department will need to have spare parts available and also have trained support personnel in the proper locations ready to handle operational or maintenance problems.

Step 5: Roll out of the Fleet

The next logical step in the implementation process is to schedule the rollout of the fleet. There are some factors to consider when doing this. First youll need to consider the budget, and based on this you may need to do the fleet over years as money allows. It is also good to do new cars as they arrive, this keeps the install cost low and gives you the longest fleet life per car.

Step 6: Operational Maintenance

The final step in the plan is to maintain the fleet once it is out on the road. The P54 group will continue work on system software and adding additional classes of hardware, and fixing reported problems. Information on such work will posted on our website and transmitted to our authorized installers. Suggestions on improving the system are always welcome at P54, feel free to send them via email from our website address.