State of California California Highway Patrol Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment (CPVE)

Transcription

1 State of California California Highway Patrol Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment (CPVE) NASCIO 2014 State IT Recognition Awards NASCIO Category: Information Communications Technology Innovations Project Initiation: July 30, 2008 Project Completion: December 1, 2013 Scott Howland, Chief and Agency CIO

2 Section 2: Executive Summary People can die and property can be destroyed if public safety responders cannot communicate with each other when and where they need. In addition, modern technology in patrol cars frequently requires officers to split their attention between their devices and the road. In 2006, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reviewed the technology in its patrol cars and knew that it needed to replace its 25-year old lowband radios, which did not allow CHP to communicate with most other California public safety agencies. The lowband radios could not be upgraded and new devices had to be added as stand-alone equipment, crowding officers area and required managing several interfaces, distracting officers, sometimes impairing their ability to drive safely. The devices location in the passenger area put officers at risk of secondary impacts during accidents, sometimes resulting in injuries. CHP needed a non-proprietary solution that would address all of these issues in one resilient, reliable Fail Safe interface. As CHP reviewed alternatives, most solutions left multiple interfaces with disparate equipment in the cabin or lacked redundancy or the ability to add devices to the system. CHP conducted a Request for Proposal that resulted in an award to develop the Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment (CPVE), an innovative, intuitive, interoperable, integrated, software driven system with redundant features to protect against failure while improving efficiency and making officers and the public safer. CPVE includes: A single intuitive integrated interface with three redundant operational modes (touchscreen, voice command and hand controller) designed by human factors engineers to reduce distraction and stress. Modular components and the single consistent interface mean that all equipment goes in the trunk to avoid harm in an accident while making it easy to add new devices and train officers on them. Radios that cover all public safety frequencies (VHF lowband, VHF highband, 700/800 MHz, UHF) with access to 2,000 radio channels, providing immediate interoperable communications. A mobile digital computer interface to access law enforcement records systems. Built-in flexibility, resiliency, and redundancy of interfaces, radios and computers, to ensure mission-readiness and officer safety at any time. CPVE began deployment in 2012 and has proven to be a success with CHP and allied agencies. The system has provided the following key benefits: Better emergency communication and a resultant cost avoidance and force multiplier effect of having immediate interoperability to set a perimeter around a suspect or clear an accident without deploying second level resources. Safer driving with fewer accidents, as officers can focus on the road, not devices. Provides a platform for future growth of devices. Improves collaboration among CHP and allied agencies. CPVE is more than just an interoperable radio platform or a means to improve officer efficiency and safety. The CPVE system broke new ground and drove the market for integrated, interoperable communications, requiring redundancy and a single interface. CPVE has proven its worth and will only grow in power as CHP and allied agencies find new ways to apply the system to benefit Californians.

3 Section 3: Business Problem and Solution Problem: People can die and property can be destroyed if public safety responders cannot communicate with each other when and where they need. In addition, modern technology in police patrol cars increasingly requires officers to split their attention between their devices and the road. In 2006, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reviewed the radio technology in its patrol cars and identified the following problems: The single 25-year old lowband radio that connected CHP officers with dispatch centers and other CHP officers was not redundant and did not allow CHP to communicate with most other public safety agencies in California. CHP s lowband radios were past their useful lives and there was no practical way to upgrade. New devices (mobile computer, camera, license plate reader, etc.) had to be added as stand-alone equipment in the officers work area. The many stand-alone devices crowded officers area and required managing several interfaces. The devices distracted officers, sometimes impairing their ability to drive safely. A 2011 study by St. Mary s University showed that distracted driving accounted for 14% of officer-involved accidents for which claims were double the cost of other accident types. The devices location in the passenger area put officers and passengers at risk of secondary impacts during accidents and sometimes resulted in injuries. CHP needed a non-proprietary solution that would address all of these issues in one redundant interface to ensure the system failed safe. Solution: The Interoperable, Extensible CPVE System As CHP reviewed alternatives, they found that no available solution addressed all of the problems identified. Solutions typically left multiple interfaces with disparate equipment in the cabin or lacked redundancy or a path to grow the system. CHP, working with the Department of General Services, the California Technology Agency, and the Public Safety Communications Office (PSCO) reviewed several options and determined that a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) would best meet CHP s needs. The RFP resulted in an award to Rockwell Collins, Inc. to develop the Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment (CPVE). CPVE is an intuitive, interoperable, integrated, software-driven system with redundant features to protect against failure while improving efficiency and the safety of officers and the public. CPVE includes: Modular components that fit onto a custom equipment tray. The tray locks almost all equipment in the trunk and slides out for maintenance or to place the CPVE in another vehicle. Modular design allows for the easy addition of new devices. A single integrated interface with three redundant operational modes designed by human factors engineers to be intuitive and ergonomic, with common attributes to access devices (radar, lights, etc.) In addition to the main touch screen interface, officers can access the system through voice commands on an advanced voiceactivated system or an ergonomically-designed hand control device. Interface equipment that swivels, turns and can be adjusted up or down, back and forth on rails to fit officers and improve focus on operations and reduce stress.

4 Five radios that cover all public safety frequencies (VHF lowband, VHF highband, 700/800 MHz, UHF), and a digital vehicular repeater system (VRS) that engages the officer s portable radio when the door is opened, providing the same interoperable radio and command ability inside and outside the officer s vehicle. For example, an officer outside the vehicle can use a handheld radio to execute remote channel steering commands or to activate an emergency alarm. Programmed access to approximately 2,000 radio channels, including main CHP frequencies and federal and neighboring state frequencies. To reduce the number of radio channels officers see, channel selection is tied to geographic location. A mobile digital computer interface to access law enforcement records systems. Built-in flexibility, resiliency, and redundancy. The primary dispatch radio is managed through a series of fail-safe relays so if voice command fails, the hand control device and touch screen still operate the system. If the touch screen fails, the hand control device and voice commands still function. The Linux mission critical computer monitors and reports any failures via audio and visual warnings to allow the officer to determine if patrol operations can safely continue. Solution Architecture A Linux-based, ruggedized Base Computer Module, using an automotive-grade 400 MHz Freescale processor operates all mission critical functions and interfaces (e.g. lights, sirens, gunlocks, radios). A Windows computer using a 1.2 GHz 2x dual core processor integrates with the base module through a firewall-protected Ethernet interface, providing access to databases and computer aided dispatch systems through a cellular modem. Five radios cover all public safety frequencies (VHF lowband, VHF highband, 700/800 MHz, UHF), and a digital vehicular repeater system (VRS). A 57- Watt power module currently uses 38 watts leaving 19 watts for expansion. An intuitive interface includes a heads-up 13.3 diagonal anti-glare, anti-static, commercial grade touch screen that works in all light conditions, an advanced, voice activated system, and an ergonomically-designed hand control device. Project Management & Communications The CPVE Project was managed using PMBOK principles and a certified PMP and IV&V. The project had 16 contractors and sub-contractors and four stakeholders from the state of California, requiring extensive communication and collaboration including: Weekly technical and program management meetings with Rockwell Collins, Inc. Weekly CHP-PSCO meetings on implementation, training, and support. On-site support from Rockwell Collins and sub-contractors through the program. Dedicated training and support teams for the first 12 months. The CPVE contract was awarded July 30, Preliminary test units were installed May 18, 2009 with compliance and operational testing from June 15, 2009 to March 26, CHP purchased 4,650 units and production deployment in vehicles began December 2012, approximately 2,000 units have been installed as of December 2013.

5 Due to a limit on the purchase of vehicles, approximately 850 units are projected to be installed in 2014 and Total project costs are approximately $164 million to date. Accessibility CPVE was designed with ease of use, officer safety and ergonomics in mind but, due to the requirements of officers jobs, it was not designed to meet Section 508 accessibility. Information Security All CPVE radios except the VHF lowband are P-25 compliant, allowing radio traffic to use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES 256) level encryption with FIPS certified modules. Data communications can be encrypted at the level to meet NSA specifications. The Linux and Windows computers meet all state security requirements. Section 4: Significance of the Project The CPVE was the first non-proprietary platform to demonstrate that one integrated solution can provide a redundant, fail safe platform that improves the efficiency, effectiveness, capability and safety of the patrol officer s work environment while providing a growth path for new technologies. Key areas of significance include: Interoperability: The CPVE system is interoperable inside and outside California, allowing officers to communicate when, where, and with whom they need. With a simple command CPVE automatically selects the appropriate in-trunk radio for the frequency band. Setting up a powerful interoperable channel is easy, as shown at the Golden Gate Bridge 75 th anniversary, when one CPVE unit was used on short notice to form a network of 200 officers from four different communication bands. Safer driving: CPVEs single interface for all equipment, with three modes of use, including hands free voice, reduces distracted driving so officers can focus on the road. Voice recognition allows an officer to read a license plate aloud and verify the vehicle without typing on the keyboard or diverting attention from the road. Moving equipment to the trunk reduces clutter and improves safety in accidents. Better ergonomics: Designed by human factors engineers, CPVE s system controls are ergonomically adjustable to improve officer efficiency, reduce fatigue and result in fewer RSIs. The touchscreen interface has a color workflow and an arrangement that puts the most important things near the officer while making commands and interfaces consistent across three modes of operation. Efficiency: CPVE patrol vehicles are mobile productivity platforms where officers prepare reports on a fixed mount, ruggedized platform. Wireless connectivity capability will minimize the failure rate compared to laptop computers while allowing the addition of features like swiping a drivers license to write a ticket and electronically download it into the court database. The greatest efficiency is that CPVE facilitates incident resolution in real time. A path for growth: CPVE s modular open architecture provides a path to add new applications to meet CHP s changing mission while preparing CHP to migrate to 700/800 MHz from VHF lowband, which manufacturers are moving away from. CPVE already anticipates the addition of integrated GPS-based navigation and informational control and mobile video / audio recording system control.

6 Collaboration: CPVE brings CHP and allied agencies together to establish memoranda of understanding before incidents and fosters collaboration during incidents as officers can communicate with allied agencies in real time. The CHP routinely participates in local, regional and statewide exercises, and uses CPVE to take on a significant role in incident scene management and command. Redundancy: CPVE s three modes of operation ensure functionality and safety if one mode of operation fails. In addition, if the touch screen fails, pushbutton bezel keys can control screen navigation to maintain situational awareness. Innovative Characteristics CPVE sets the bar for new systems and has driven other manufacturers to innovate. CPVE was the first non-proprietary platform with one redundant interface that moves all equipment to the trunk to improve officer safety. Its holistic design interoperates with all public safety frequencies. Human factors engineers designed its ergonomics and interfaces to reduce repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and maintain operational awareness. Its modular design provides a path to integrate new applications into the system. Leverage and transferability CPVE is transferable to meet the needs of other public safety agencies. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police use a system similar to the CPVE and several companies have followed with similar systems including Motorola Solutions, L-3 Inc., 54Ward, and Feniex Technologies, including the Los Angeles Police Department. Strategic/NASCIO Priority Alignment The CPVE Project aligns directly with Governor Brown s priorities of protecting the public and improving officer safety and collaboration and with Goal 3, Objective 3.3 of the State s IT Strategic Plan- Enhance the state s public safety communications systems to ensure effective delivery of emergency services. CPVE directly supports CHP s mission of providing the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California and directly improves CHP s ability to accomplish all of its five strategic goals. CPVE supports NASCIO s priority strategies of consolidating and optimizing services through mobile workforce and networking voice and data communications. Challenges CPVE s sophisticated technology required modifications by the manufacturer and CHP to address high operating temperatures and installation on multiple vehicle platforms. CPVE was CHP s first use of P-25 radios and CHP developed and evolved ongoing training and support processes to maintain optimum condition for best performance. Section 5: Benefits of the Project The CPVE system replaced CHP s outdated radio system, providing all the benefits and efficiencies initially expected as well as unforeseen benefits. Benefits include: Safer driving, fewer accidents: CPVE has only been in operation two years but CHP expects that it will significantly reduce distracted driving. A 2011 St. Mary s University study found that 14% of officer collisions are due to distraction and

7 CHP estimates that 60% of accidents occur while in motion meaning CPVE can reduce officer accidents by up to 9%. Better emergency communication: CPVE lets officers communicate directly with allied agencies instead of relaying messages through dispatchers. The first officer on scene can link all CHP and allied officers together to coordinate a perimeter around a suspect or to clear an accident as proven in Oakland when an officer formed an ad hoc network with local law enforcement during a tanker truck fire. A 2006 Department of Transportation study shows that incident-driven traffic congestion accounts for approximately 30% of all congestion, meaning CHP can more quickly resolve 30% of California s freeway jams, benefiting the state s economy and motorists. Cost avoidance: While CPVE s primary intent was interoperability for officer and public safety, the platform also provides cost avoidance and efficiencies: o Instant incident communications are a force multiplier, maximizing resources at an incident and reducing the need for specialized interoperability vehicles. By providing immediate communications at an incident, CPVE reduces the time to deploy interoperable communications by two hours and avoids costs of more than $480 to deploy a second-level response vehicle, assuming a 2 hour response, 2 hour on-scene time, and 2 hour demobilization for two staff. o CPVE reduces the need to reprogram radios to interoperate. For example, at the Golden Gate 75 th Anniversary Event, programming 200 radios would have required approximately 15 minutes per radio at $122 per hour, a savings of more than $6,000 in addition to saving officers time. Platform for the future: CPVE s modular design and single interface mean the platform has room to grow. Integrated Wi-Fi capability will allow officers to write a ticket, download it through the CPVE and transfer it for processing. Keep officers safe: CPVE s ergonomic design adjusts the work environment to the officer and is expected to reduce the incidence of RSI. Reducing equipment in the work area allows airbags to deploy and keeps officers safe during accidents. Spectral efficiency: The CPVE allows CHP to use allied agencies trunked radio systems, avoiding the cost of duplicating their radio system and conserving radio spectrum which is severely constrained in California s urban areas. Collaboration: Interoperability discussions are driving CHP and local agencies to work together before incidents while interoperability facilitates partnership during incidents. Before CPVE, the CHP maintained interoperability agreements with approximately 100 allied agencies but that number has grown to more than 400. Summary: CPVE is more than an interoperable radio platform or a means to improve safety and efficiency. CPVE broke new ground, driving the market to require integrated, interoperable, redundant communications with one interface that moves all equipment to the trunk to keep officers safe. Its ergonomic interfaces ensure that officers eyes are on the road, not on devices. CPVE flips the operational curve on its head, providing interoperable communications at the patrol level rather than requiring specialized vehicles, improving CHP s incident command and integration into the Incident Command System. The CPVE platform has proven its worth and will only grow in power as CHP and allied agencies find new ways for the system to benefit Californians.