APD testing iPads on police chopper

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin police department is testing new technology on board their police helicopter. The smaller, lighter iPad could help the air unit search for suspects on the ground, by giving them direct access to information from dispatchers.

"We can actually pull up what calls are holding and actually start responding to the calls if officers on the ground are tied up," said APD Chief Tactical Officer Tom Lopatowski.

For the first time, officers in the air will have access to the department's Computer Aided Dispatch, or CAD system, which provides real time information about suspects or emergency calls.

"As soon as the call comes out or as soon as we become aware of the call, we can actually get this information and be looking for suspects or suspect vehicles while we're responding," said Lopatowski.

The air unit has never had this technology because of a lack of space in the helicopter and because of concerns about weight in the aircraft.

"As technology is getting smaller and smaller, its' allowing us to have more technology and more information inside the aircraft that we just haven't had room or technology for," Lopatowski explained. "Not only is it easier and safer for us, it's also safer for the guys in the street because we're not taking them away from what they're doing on the ground to explain to us the call."

Chopper pilot, Sergeant Ben Dranguet said the system is good for officers in the air because it insures they receive all of the information ground officers do.

"A lot of dispatchers know officers have an MDT- so they just type them in- and they don't put them out over the air so that's a prime example," said Dranguet.

The department is currently testing the iPad for the police helicopter. They say it is a cheaper option that the CAD laptop systems in patrol cars, which run about $10,000 for each car. The iPads cost the department less than $1,000.