GPS Device Hits the Spot

• NCJ Number: 233931
• Journal: Techbeat Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 3-3
• Author(s): Michelle Coppola
• Date Published: October 2010
• Length: 1 page
• Grant Number(s): 2010-MU-MU-K020
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Award: Operate the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) - National Center

Annotation

This article examines the use of GPS by a small, rural police department in Nebraska.

Abstract

This article examines the use of GPS (global positioning system) technology by the Kimball County, NE, sheriff's office. The county is large in area, located in a rural, sparsely populated area of the State, and contains numerous live nuclear missile silos. To aid in communication efforts throughout the county, the sheriff's office began using the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. The SPOT system sends coordinates and messages via satellite to relay information to other's about the user's status. Features of the system include: real-time Internet tracking; location detection to within 10 feet; satellite tracking update every 10 minutes; a check-in Okay button for status checks; a Help button for nonemergency help requests; an SOS/911 button for critical emergencies; and automatic text and e-mail messaging to send mass HELP call that includes GPS coordinates.