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The ROADS portion of the system allows constables
on patrol to stay in close touch with the dispatch
centre, and each other.
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The Connected ConstablePEI Citizens get more of what they pay for, because of CIIDS/ROADS the RCMP's new mobile digital high speed communications network.
Occasionally you can go into a smaller computer store and see a sign behind the counter that says: "Our Service is Fast, Cheap and Good �.. Pick Two!"
The RCMP in PEI has managed to foil this economic principle by implementing a new mobile digital high-speed dispatch network referred to as CIIDS/ROADS.
Using this new service the RCMP can now: get to where they are needed faster than ever before; spend less time doing paper work and more time in the community than ever before; and be better prepared for what they will find when they stop a car or approach a premises.
Deployment of this digital communication system is a national RCMP initiative. As of October 2002, PEI was the first province to achieve 100% coverage within the RCMP's jurisdiction. The system consists of two main components.
Dispatch Centre Component (CIIDS)
From their operations centre in Charlottetown, the RCMP dispatchers can use CIIDS can keep in touch with police officers in the community in ways never before possible. Digital tools at their disposal include:
- A Digital mapping system allows the dispatcher to see live maps showing the actual location of RCMP vehicles in the province that are equipped with the ROADS mobile component (approximately 25 cars);
- The CPIC database containing information on individuals with criminal records, probation and parole information, and wanted or arrest warrant information, as well as property and motor vehicle records;
- The PIRS databank, which contains complainant, victim, suspect, and witness information;
An instant messaging system allows the dispatcher to send text based instructions to officers in the field,
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The CIIPDS portion of the system allows
dispatchers to see visually where every police
vehicle in the province is in order to judge who
is closest to the scene of an emergency or if
any one police officer may be in difficulty.
Photos courtesy of Government of
Prince Edward Island
/B. Simpson
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along with attached reports containing search results from the PIRS and CPIC databases. This system allows for greater voice privacy as the messages are dispatched over a secure network.
The Mobile Component (ROADS)
Approximately 25 police cars carry a ruggedized lap top mounted inside the vehicle which is connected over the RCMP's province wide wireless network. From this laptop the officer in the community can do the following:
- Receive/send text messages from/to the dispatch centre and other police vehicles;
- View digital maps allowing the constables to identify where they are, where they need to go, and the fastest route between the two locations;
- Perform direct database queries on the CPIC and PIRS databases;
- Create and complete police reports while on the road.
Constable Leo Shea, Informatics Operational Support with the RCMP in Prince Edward Island, took some time to explain to us how this functionality allows the RCMP to deliver faster service, better and at lower cost.
"The greatest benefit to the public is that police are able to respond more efficiently to any emergency call. With the aid of the CIIDS map, the dispatcher knows where the nearest patrol vehicle is located and can dispatch that vehicle to that call. The ROADS mobile is also equipped with the same mapping system, which our members can use to determine the best route to a complaint. This new dispatch system allows police to provide improved service to the public. With information readily at hand, the officer is better able to carry out his or her duties, enhancing officer and public safety. By being able to initiate and complete files on the road, we are able to spend more time in the community, a key to crime prevention and proactive community policing thereby ensuring our communities are safe and secure."
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