Device Being Utilized By The Hawthorne,CA, Police Department

An integrated video downlink system that enables the transmission of high-definition (HD) images from an airborne source to multiple receivers on the ground has been deployed by the Hawthorne, CA, Police Department (HPD). Development and installation of the system was led by Helinet Technologies.

The new system enables HPD to transmit live, HD images from the Department's MD 500E helicopter to multiple, ground-based receive sites simultaneously, enhancing HPD's operational readiness and improving response capability during fast moving situations.

Helinet led development and installation of the downlink, which incorporates both the transmission technology on the HPD helicopter and corresponding receive capability at three receive sites – a fixed site at the Hawthorne police station, a mobile site on HPD's command post vehicle and a handheld receiver that can be utilized by officers in the field. Helinet is also providing system training and ongoing 24/7 support to HPD. Funding for the downlink came via the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), a grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). SHSP is a program that supports the planning, equipment and training to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

"Helinet's substantial experience developing and supporting aerial surveillance solutions for law enforcement clients along with its responsive, hands-on service philosophy were key factors in our selection process," said Hawthorne Police Captain Keith Kauffman. "The company is one of the only providers certified to maintain and work on the FLIR 9HD camera system we utilize and has developed a completely turnkey solution that provides cutting edge capability within a highly useable framework. The addition of this specialized asset enhances our ability to provide policing and public safety services to the citizens of Hawthorne, the South Bay and Los Angeles County."

Designed to support both local operations and regional preparedness goals, the downlink features a configurable transmission design that provides full interoperability with the aerial resources of partners such as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). During joint operations, HPD will be able to seamlessly deliver live aerial images to its partners' receive sites and will be able to receive real-time feeds from partner aircraft on its own equipment. The downlink utilizes the latest microwave transmission technologies and features a flexible design that will allow HPD to incorporate new technology as it becomes available without needing to replace the entire system. Complete signal security is provided via 256 Bit AES encryption of all audio, video and data traffic. 

"We are pleased to have been selected by the City of Hawthorne and the Hawthorne Police Department to develop, launch and maintain their new downlink solution," said Ron Magocsi, vice president, chief technical officer, for Helinet Technologies. "Beyond the equipment aspects of the system, we have developed a comprehensive support and training structure for HPD and look forward to working with them to ensure the system and its operators maintain the highest level of performance."

FMI: http://helinet.com