Microwave Data Systems (MDS), together with full-service partner Twin Eagle Consulting, will provide a wireless radio system to the Portland, Texas Police Department.

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This new mobile communications network will have MDS iNET 900 radios installed in Portland's police vehicles, wirelessly connecting officers with the city's network. The new system should streamline processes and increase efficiency by enabling officers to submit reports and complete other paperwork remotely from their vehicles. In addition, the new system will allow officers to spend more time in their vehicles and on the streets, protecting the citizens of this city.

"Research shows that crime reduction occurs when the presence of uniformed officers on the streets is increased," said Portland Detective Terrell Elliott. "This new system will allow that to happen."

An officer will now have access to applications such as the department's computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS), e-mail, and real-time messaging system. An officer will also have the ability to look up license plates, drivers licenses and wanted subjects, directly from the front seat of the patrol car.

Several factors weighed heavily in the selection of the MDS iNET, such as multiple levels of security (including encryption and key rotation to prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized access to a network), data throughput of 256/512 kbps, long-range coverage and cost.

"We needed an alternative to CDPD and other cellular solutions that many cities rely on," noted Detective Elliott. "Like most small cities in Texas, as well as Oklahoma and New Mexico, we needed a solution that works in a rural area that's not connected by cell towers. This solution provides the access and coverage with minimal infrastructure and no recurring costs."