New Technology Helps OHP Troopers Work More Efficiently

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

UNDATED -- New technology is helping Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers do their jobs better and faster. They're using a computer system called Mobile Cop, which allows them to access information instantly from their patrol units.

In the past, OHP troopers had to call dispatch to find out if a driver's license was suspended or a car was stolen, and if things were busy or there was a wreck, it could take dispatch a while to answer. Now, troopers have all that information at their fingertips.

Trooper Quinton Payne says Mobile Cop is a big improvement in how he handles car stops. He has a computer and card reader in his patrol car, which allows him to scan a license and see instantly if it's valid or if the driver is wanted or the car stolen.

Mobile Cop recently helped one trooper recover three stolen vehicles in about a week. And troopers got five hits on stolen vehicles in the state, all in one hour, last week. Troopers say the system makes patrol work quicker and more efficient.

"It is instant information for the officer on the scene. The old adage used to be, you may be able to outrun a car, but not a radio. Now we go one step further. You absolutely cannot outrun the world wide web," said Lt. George Brown, OHP.

It also improves trooper safety, because the computers are linked to other agencies, so they could roll by the trooper's location to offer backup.

Mobile Cop comes with its own printer, so troopers can print warnings, although tickets must still be handwritten.

OHP hopes to have Mobile Cop installed in every patrol car by the end of the year and say while they've had the technology a few months, they are now starting to see real results.