Oklahoma City Police Department wins national award for its innovative use of technology

(November 3, 2008) - The International Association of Chiefs of Police presented the 2008 Excellence in Technology Award for large organizations to the Oklahoma City Police Department for innovative use of technology to get critical information to officers in the field.  The award recognizes the department’s state-of-the-art broadband wireless communications system.

Oklahoma City owns and operates the largest municipal Wi-Fi mesh network in the world.  The wireless mesh network, primarily used for public safety, covers an unprecedented 555 square-mile area with 95 percent service coverage in the city’s core.  Wireless routers are installed on City siren towers, traffic lights, buildings and other places.  Mobile routers are mounted in City vehicles, extending the network coverage area.

Police patrol cars are equipped with laptops that give officers virtually the same information in the field that used to require a trip to a police briefing station.  The wireless network gives them better access to criminal information, allows them to download photos, file reports, access more than 150 internal City applications and even do paperwork in the field.  Police officers also have access to over 300 video cameras throughout the city that give them real time, around-the-clock, birds-eye view of key locations.

“This new technology offers a number of benefits for police and fire services in Oklahoma City.  The new network provides greater and faster access to information for patrol officers in their efforts to effectively solve and prevent crime,” Chief Citty said.  “On behalf of the City of Oklahoma City we are honored to receive this award,” he added.

Tropos Networks provides the Wi-Fi mesh network infrastructure equipment.  In June, Tropos Networks president and CEO, Tom Ayers presented a plaque to the Mayor and City Council recognizing the City of Oklahoma City for successfully building and implementing the world’s largest municipal wireless broadband network.