Mahwah Police Double Illegal Driver Apprehensions With New Wireless Data System

Mahwah Police Double Illegal Driver Apprehensions With New Wireless Data System

Bell Atlantic Mobile Technology Enhances Community Safety

June 10, 1998

MAHWAH, NJ -- A high-tech law enforcement tool that puts critical
information at the fingertips of officers on patrol is helping Mahwah Police
apprehend illegal drivers in record numbers.

The Mahwah Police Department is the first in Bergen County to equip its
patrol cars with laptop computers that use Bell Atlantic Mobile's
AirBridge® Packet wireless data service. Installed in 11 of the
department's 20 patrol cars, the new wireless data system gives officers
virtually instant access to Department of Motor Vehicles records,
municipal court listings, and state and federal criminal records.

"Since the technology was installed in late February, we've been able to
double our apprehensions of drivers with revoked licenses -- and that
means safer streets for everyone in Mahwah," said Captain James Batelli.
"Our officers look at their laptops as an essential piece of law enforcement
equipment."

Mahwah officers especially like the speed and efficiency of Airbridge
Packet service. Now, officers can access critical information directly in just
a few seconds instead of relying on the dispatcher for every license check.
Officers also like the car-to-car messaging feature that lets them
communicate swiftly and confidentially.

"Using car-to-car messaging, headquarters can give officers real-time
information, like a notice to patrol a certain troubled area," Captain Batelli
said. "We also can give them reminders about information shared during
roll call. It's like having a personal administrative assistant."

The system also enhances officers' personal safety. When the Airbridge
Packet service identifies a wanted driver, the system instantly notifies all
other wireless data-equipped patrol cars about the wanted driver and the
arresting officer's location.

Captain Batelli said the department chose Bell Atlantic Mobile because of
the company's approach to customer service and proven track record with
other New Jersey police departments.

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the
East, covering 112,000 square miles, and the largest chain of retail outlets
devoted exclusively to wireless voice, data, and paging. Based in
Bedminster, NJ, Bell Atlantic Mobile has 5.5 million customers and 7,000
employees from Maine to Georgia and, through a separate subsidiary, in
the Southwest. Through its "Wireless at Work..." community relations
program, the company uses its technology to help individuals and
communities improve security and emergency communications. Bell
Atlantic Mobile's parent is one of the world's largest wireless
communications companies, with domestic operations in 25 states and
international investments in Mexico, Europe and the Pacific Rim. For more
information on Bell Atlantic Mobile visit: www.bam.com; on global
operations visit: www.bellatlantic.com/worldwide.