New technology for Police cars in Sao Paulo

The PM (military police) is preparing a  change to patrol the streets of São Paulo. It will install cameras in their cars and an onboard computer that will alert the police when they are approaching, for example, a bar where there is complaint of drug sales or an intersection where many assaults occur. The stakes for the PM technology follows the idea that the new systems should improve the efficiency and safety. They should also increase the control of supervisors that may identify possible flaws in the procedures and even misconduct.

The technology must also change the life of Sao Paulo inhabitants. Who gets involved in a traffic accident, for example, will receive a password from the cop which may, after 48 hours, enter the web and get a copy of the police report. The system connected to a GPS will tell who are the thieves who often act in a certain region and show the photos of suspects. It will also indicate the path that the car should do, according to crime rates online. A sensor will show when the car and the cops are in danger. It is also possible to see where each car is, what is the closest vehicle (in case of attack) and even record the path of the patrol and tell how long and where they stood. Computers involve an investment of R$ 32 million in 2010 and 2011. In the first phase of the project (R$ 12 million in 2010), only 4000 cars will have the equipment.

(source: estado de são paulo, marcelo godoy)