New technology trials by the Northern Territory Police are pivotal in modernising the workplace, creating a safer environment for officers, and enhancing community safety.
Northern Territory Police Acting Chief Operating Officer John Atkin said, "We are always investigating new ways to ensure we are up to date with technological advancements, and we are currently running some exciting trials and upgrades."
"The current trials include technologies such as radar capabilities and Automatic Number Plate Recognition with enhanced AI platforms for increased road safety. The radars will have a higher target speed than our current radars, which improves operational and public safety during a pursuit.
"We have enhancements underway to our mission-critical communications network with upgrades to our digital P25 radio network, and exploring options with our Digital HF and Satellite networks, that will see significant increases to network coverage for our regional and remote operational members.
"This increases our officers' safety with broader network coverage through stronger communication back to the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) and locally to the station. It will also mean when members are required to leave their vehicles and travel on foot the vehicle will act as a hub, and comms will still be maintained providing more effective emergency and critical incident management.
"We have recently received our first delivery of Motorola APXNext Portable Radios, jointly funded through our successful Commonwealth Disaster Ready Fund Project. The APXNext radios are manufactured and tested to military standards, and it's designed for effortless everyday operation, even in our extreme Territory conditions.
"Our radio network upgrade project commenced last month with the new tower at the Palmerston Police Station site being constructed. The new location has extended our radio coverage through the Palmerston and surrounds, reducing the intermittent black spots.
"Other works planned in the coming months will result in all our radio network sites across the Territory being upgraded, ensuring our critical communications network remains state of the art.
"Technology is always evolving and we need to make sure we are keeping up. By trialling and implementing state-of-the-art technology, we are performing more efficiently, and better serving the community, while also looking after our own safety."
