ATLANTIC BEACH COMMISSION INSTALLS GPS TRACKING DEVICES FOR PATROL VEHICLES
THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FL EQUIPS THEIR 40+ POLICE FLEET WITH GPS VEHICLE TRACKING
By Drew Dixon, Reprinted from The Florida Times-Union
The city of Atlantic Beach, FL has witnessed significant benefits ever since equipping its 40+ police fleet with GPS Vehicle Tracking units. David Thompson, Assistant City Manager and former Police Chief, is able to keep track of the movements of each patrol unit every 30 seconds. City officials have peace of mind knowing what each car is doing, in what direction it's heading and how fast it's moving.
The City Commission unanimously approved a contract with Fleetmatics to place a small GPS tracking transponder in each of the vehicles. The unit transmits data, including speeds, idling times, engine on/off time, and routes, to be viewed via any internet-enabled computer.
Assistant City Manager David Thompson, the former police chief, proposed the system. He said the tracking gear is precise.
"The information on where the vehicle is located is updated every 30 seconds," said Thompson. "It tells us specific location. We can also tell whether the car is idling, whether it's turned off or whether it's moving, as well as its speed."
Thompson said this is the first time a First Coast police force has used the GPS tracking system to pinpoint locations of patrol cars. He said Jacksonville uses a similar system, but only for utility and service vehicles, not police cars. "The system lets dispatchers see which patrol car is closest to a location for an emergency call so the closest officers can be sent. That saves fuel and time, while providing more immediate public safety response."
Thompson said the devices will show if a vehicle is idling longer than necessary. And it will provide a solid record for officers on their locations should residents lodge false complaints.
"People tend to exaggerate when they're making complaints," Thompson said. "The Fleetmatics system allows us to look at the realities. It will protect the police officers from unwarranted complaints. It will help protect the public from police officers who are taking advantage of their positions."
Thompson said more trendy and popular video cameras in patrol cars don't let dispatchers know where patrol cars are and sometimes video recordings don't provide specific details on where an emergency or response takes place. "With GPS tracking, we always know where the car is," said Thompson.