Law enforcement tracking tools

The police department of Mesquite, Texas, is testing a new wireless application from Sierra Wireless Inc., Richmond, British Columbia, that tracks and assists police officers in the field. The Mesquite police force covers 397 miles of streets and highways. Using this solution, officers can review mug shots and file reports from the field. The solution combines global positioning system-based location reporting with dispatch and mapping software and a global system for mobile communications-based modem. The system operates on a nationwide GSM cellular network from AT&T Corp., Bedminster, N.J.

iSecureTrac Corp., Omaha, Neb., has introduced a tracking product that can be used to monitor the whereabouts of sex offenders. The 12-ounce unit, strapped onto the offender, can notify authorities when the offender comes too close to certain locations, such as schools. The units work with law enforcement databases through the VeriTracks software, developed by Veridian Corp., a company now being purchased by General Dynamics Corp., Falls Church, Va.