Windsor police are trialing locally developed technology on their bike vehicles that the force's technology services director says will provide real-time information on officers' locations.
Matt Caplin said the technology, called the “Tech Box,” is similar to what's in police vehicles and can also provide more detailed information to help officers with their deployment.
“Our officers are already highly connected, this is just another layer of connectivity that gives us more information about officer activity, proximity and deployment availability,” Caplin told CBC News.
“[The technology] Through the network, we will be able to track the location of bikes using GPS and vehicle location technology.”
Caplin said the technology tracks the bike's path throughout a shift and allows Windsor police to match that information with where officers go in response to calls.
The technology was developed during a one-year pilot project conducted by local company Monerus in collaboration with Windsor Police.
“What I'm most proud of is being able to work with local companies like Moneras who are implementing new policing technology,” Caplin said.
“It's great to work with local businesses. [technology] It gives us help and insight, and gives them valuable real-time feedback as they develop their products.”
Supporting early-stage startups
Adam Castle, director of venture services and partnerships at WEtech Alliance, said the organization works with local innovators and tech companies to help bring their technology to customers.
“By leveraging these partnerships, [WPS and Monerus] “This service will absolutely play a key role in helping early stage startups land their first big, high-value customers,” Castle told Afternoon Drive.
“I can't stress enough how important this is, because it provides a testbed for this technology — giving real data to entrepreneurs who are running this technology so they can build it better and customize it more.”
Monerus co-founder and project manager Khalid Saad said in a news release that the company aims to revolutionize urban policing with its high-tech bikes.
