Verizon to Provide Wireless Crime Fighting Solution to New Jersey State Police

TRENTON, NJ — A piece of equipment commonly seen in police cruisers throughout New Jersey's municipalities will now be in the hands of the New Jersey State Police. Thanks to federal grants and awards, the New Jersey State Police has initiated the deployment of on-board computers. Verizon Wireless is participating with the State of New Jersey to provide wireless connectivity state-wide.

The first portion of this deployment will equip 230 troop cars with Mobile Data Computers (MDC). When statewide coverage is completed, approximately 1,000 cars will be equipped with MDCs.

Throughout Verizon Wireless' wireless data network, state troopers, in as little as five seconds will be able to access vehicle identification numbers, license tags, drivers' license information and criminal information. The system provides direct access to federal, local and state databases including the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and Division of Motor Vehicles Services.

Troopers will now have the ability to communicate with in-house computer systems immediately. Future capabilities include access to the computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems and the ability to communicate car-to-car without going over the police voice channel.

A direct connection to a database via Verizon Wireless' wireless data network frees up emergency radio frequencies, enhances accuracy and ensures privacy. In addition, information that once took several minutes or more to access is now accessible in seconds and is transmitted over fully encrypted, secure digital channels, which is critical for sensitive information.

"The Verizon Wireless data network's speed, accuracy, privacy and affordability are making this system a crime-fighting solution of choice for public safety organizations throughout the nation," said Ann McCrystal, Verizon Wireless' regional president. "It's a win-win for the community and the troopers."

"Mobile Data Computers enable officers to access critical information and file reports and warrants instantly, allowing more time to patrol the streets and protect the community," said Stephen Emery, executive officer, Pemberton Township Police Department, one of 33 Burlington County Law Agencies that deployed wireless data technology. Emery further commented, "The fact that the New Jersey State Police selected Verizon Wireless' wireless technology further reinforces our decision to deploy this system nearly two years ago."

Verizon Wireless' wireless data services are currently in use in an extensive list of public safety agencies, which include the Delaware State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, and over 100 municipalities throughout New Jersey.

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 18 million wireless voice and data customers and nearly 4 million paging customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless company was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE:BEL) and Vodafone AirTouch Plc (LSE:VOD; NYSE:VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. Verizon Wireless will be further strengthened by the addition of the wireless assets of GTE Corp. (NYSE:GTE) when it completes its merger with Bell Atlantic. The new company will have a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. Headquartered in New York City and Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is 30,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more Verizon Wireless information at http://www.verizonwireless.com/mediacenter.

####