Alaska State Troopers Equipping Cars With ICOP In-Car Digital Systems

Extreme Weather Conditions Weighed Heavily Into Buying Decision

LENEXA, Kan., Dec. 11 -- ICOP Digital, Inc. , an industry-leading company engaged in advancing digital surveillance solutions, today announced that following a rigorous product review and evaluation process involving several competitive offerings, the Alaska State Troopers have begun equipping its patrol cars with ICOP Model 20/20 digital in-car video systems.

With the largest jurisdiction of any state law enforcement agency in the country, the Alaska State Troopers are stationed in over 40 posts throughout Alaska, with five urban detachments headquartered in Ketchikan, Palmer, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna. Operating over 125 marked patrol vehicles, as well as a diverse fleet of snow mobiles, watercraft and aircraft, the Alaska State Troopers are charged with enforcing state and federal laws, as well as leading search and rescue missions covering a geographical area one- fifth the size of the entire continental United States. Further, Troopers work in extreme weather conditions that range from perpetual double-digit sub- zero temperatures that can persist for months at a time; severe rain storms in regions where rain falls up to 250 days each year; and wind storms marking wind speeds that exceed 75 miles per hour for days at a time.

Among the things considered by the Alaska State Troopers during its evaluation process was the ability of any video system procured by the department to withstand the highly variable and often extreme weather conditions found in Alaska. It was the desire of the department to have a system that locates all of the components inside the cab of the vehicle in order to achieve maximum advantage of the vehicle's climate control systems. Also, the department wanted a system that has excellent low-light capabilities because of the extended periods of darkness during the winter months in Alaska. The Troopers did not desire a system with an overhead control panel or monitor due to concerns over head injuries that might occur in a collision. The system also had to be compatible with the equipment that is carried in the Troopers' vehicles.

Additionally, it was the Troopers desire to procure a system with GPS capabilities, a highly desirable feature given the nature of Alaska's highway system. They required a system from which collected data is easily saved and managed. Further, the Troopers wanted a system that can monitor the rear seat of its patrol vehicles, (both Ford Interceptors and Ford Expeditions), since they often transport prisoners over very long distances.

It is the Alaska State Troopers' anticipation that nearly all of its vehicles used on Alaska's highway system will be equipped with ICOP's in-car video systems.

Dave Owen, Chairman and CEO of ICOP Digital, added, "We continue to work diligently towards ensuring that wherever you find law enforcement, you'll also find ICOP delivering the most advanced, feature-rich surveillance solutions possible."