Administration of Justice: Patrol Procedure
Professor Jesse Cabellero
Summer Session
7-7-09
Mary Eng
Moto-Mesh Wireless Systems from Motorola
The new Motomesh technology has been implemented in a high crime region of Jordon Downs housing projects in Los Angeles as of 2007. Many strategies are incorporated into the functionality of the system which centers on wirelessly configured real-time video surveillance. The pilot program involves seven cameras and cost 1.4 million, and was funded by a Department of Justice grant. There has been a 30% reduction in crime in the area. Taking the success of the MacArthur Park surveillance cameras further, Motorola allows for an interoperability with police cars that can watch the camera views from inside their cars and zoom in and out. Motorola has long been a leader in police technology systems, supplying the LAPD with handheld radios and computer-aided dispatch networks. A police force in Texas recently purchased a $21 million dollar Motorola broadband system that allows cops access crime data from the field. Motorola is a leading innovator in public services technologies and offers small handheld data devices that are marketed towards police, health care, and other public service sectors.
The mesh network concept involves a network using a large number of wireless signals hopscotching from point to point and connected to create a coverage area. It allows a large area to be covered by a strong bandwidth capable of carrying video signal. This technology is still in a trial phase and software issues and implementation issues are still being sorted out.
Security concerns raised by the ACLU and others, are refuted by the overwhelmingly positive safety enhancement for the community. In a related issue, ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have been vocal in requesting GPS tracking from wireless carriers be only granted upon issuance of a warrant. Google has stated they will not reveal customer data, unless a warrant demands it. As these new technologies have a role in evidence and court proceedings it is interesting to see the privacy invasion issues and fourth amendment violations that may be at stake. Another comparison would be the widespread video surveillance and explicit and frequent public notification thereof in the UK. Privacy concerns seem less a hassle there, but Americans are more prone to claim privacy right infringements.
Marketing materials for the company center on the way initial cost outlays of the technology are offset by critical crime reduction. Each homicide costs the taxpayer millions of dollars in prosecution, incarceration, and other fees. When Motorola markets this Mesh technology, even in the current financial climate, municipalities like Los Angeles are prone to seeing the long-run cost benefit analysis in crime reduction and prevention.
In conclusion, Motorola has defined itself as a cutting edge company with a viable role in the future of police procedure. They will continue to innovate and position themselves for lucrative government contracts and help the overall safety of individuals, and the good of the community. By doing more with less, the force can become truly effective. The Motomesh internet wireless blanket has practical applications for citywide wireless service for ordinary people as well, as Atlanta has recently implemented a Motomesh city wireless technology. As viable city planning recognizes the universal necessity of total wireless coverage, such community policing strategies as e-policing will have even greater effect. The beneficial effect of wireless coverage will also spur business growth and investment which will indirectly help the reduction of crime. By continuing to create new products and services and conduct test market demonstrations such as the Jordon Downs crime reduction, Motorola will gain municipal clients nationwide in police technologies.
According to leading tech website Techcrunch.com's Crunchbase technology profiles database, “Motorola is a telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois. It is a manufacturer of wireless telephone handsets, also designing and selling wireless network infrastructure equipment such as cellular transmission base stations and signal amplifiers. Motorola’s home and broadcast network products include set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and network equipment used to enable video broadcasting, computer telephony, and high-definition television. Its business and government customers consist mainly of wireless voice and broadband systems used to build private networks and public safety communications systems.” It was founded in 1928, has 66,000 employees, and is worth $181 milllion.
From the promotional material on the website motorola.com:
“MESH Wireless Video Camera
Motorola's mesh and Wi-Fi enabled camera video system is a robust, low-cost, easy-to-deploy, wireless solution for fixed and mobile video. Integrating Motorola's Mobility Enabled Access (MEA) technology or Wi-Fi directly into Sony's IPELA® camera has created a solution that is smaller and more cost-effective than conventional wireless video systems. Utilizing either licensed 4.9 GHz or unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequencies, the MESH Wireless Video Camera system can be part of a larger MOTOMESH network, or act as a standalone video solution. Users can wirelessly access high quality video feeds – even while traveling at highway speeds.”
Product overview:
“Self-forming wireless video network Motorola's intelligent MEA technology turns mesh camera nodes and clients into router/repeaters that form a seamless, wireless network automatically. This network can be deployed independently, or as part of a wider mesh network using additional mesh devices.
Multi-hopping feature Video and other broadband data can "hop" through every device in a network, even to and from vehicles traveling at highway speeds. The video network actually becomes more robust as additional cameras and other MEA devices are added.
Support for 4.9 GHz MEA, 2.4 GHz MEA and 802.11 b/g operation A mesh camera network can be configured to utilize either licensed 4.9 GHz, or unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequencies. Motorola offers a wireless modem card for 2.4 GHz and 4.9 GHz frequencies, which is inserted directly into Sony's IPELA® camera to create a mesh camera node. The camera comes preloaded with drivers for both frequencies and will automatically join the network when turned on. Built-in 802.11 b/g provides Wi-Fi connectivity to the Duo line of the MOTOMESH portfolio.
Cost-Effective, scalable and easy to deploy Within each node, the routing and access functions are managed by an internal wireless modem card, eliminating the need for externally connected network devices. This can significantly reduce costs compared to conventional wireless video systems. Mesh camera nodes provide a fast, easy way to add high quality video applications to existing Motorola mesh networks.
Public safety and security benefits
- Supports 4.9 GHz radio spectrum licensed specifically for public safety use.
- Quickly deploy as permanent or temporary video surveillance platform for schools, parks, airports, sporting events, etc. Stream live video to and from vehicles in route to, or engaged at an incident site.
- Integrates seamlessly into wide area, 2.4 GHz or 4.9 GHz MOTOMESH networks.
Benefits for municipalities
- Supports unlicensed 2.4 GHz radio spectrum for general public use (802.11b/g operates on 2.4 GHz radio spectrum).
- Highly scalable solution allows deployment of networks of any size.
- Stream live video to and from vehicles even while traveling at highway speeds.
- Provide improved system management and enhanced rider experience for public transit.
•The mesh camera wireless video system is part of Motorola's suite of fixed and mobile intelligent video solutions.”
