Cor-Spec-Ops - Official Gateway to the Corrections Special Ops Community

The world we live in is changing every day. New challenges arise to keep pace with our ever-inventive solutions to yesterday’s problems. In the correction’s industry this has meant looking to computers to help us do our jobs. At first it might seem counter-intuitive. Computers seem to be machines that belong in controlled climate environments; indeed some of them must be in order to function at their highest level of efficiency. But we are seeing an evolution of the microcomputer in our industry. It wasn't until the rise of the proven rugged computer that General Dynamics offers as part of its product line that we have been reviewing that the industry had the confidence to use this type of equipment.

In the past we have seen similar technologies to what General Dynamics is offering. We have seen companies that have put reinforced protection around their computers thinking that was enough. Unfortunately when you purchased a product like that what you gave up was the speed, size, and overall functionality of the equipment. What this created was a demand for rugged products that didn’t sacrifice in these areas. The United States military, a massive purchaser of these computer systems, set many requirements for rubberized and ruggedized products helping to define for their people in the field the best specs for what they needed. And the military went to General Dynamics to have these rigorous
standards met.

In the corrections community we understand that any type of technology like this must be able to
withstand a reinforced structure environment where concrete and steel and the abuse of equipment is ever-present. Over the last 60 days the General Dynamics products we have tested have been put under the harshest environments we could find. I want to tell you about the results.

Each model we tested had a specific use. Starting with the GD 8000 and GD 6000. These two models serve as platforms to run command software, to run team operations, and to run standard operations. They can be used inside, outside, within, and everywhere. The inside environment was harsh; for example, these books underwent shower tests, falling down stairs, off desks, and more. It had to have shock resistance. At the same time we were looking at processing speeds. We used the GD 6000 along with the IRSA inmate system for high risk inmate transfer. They had great performance in vehicles with our drivers and really worked seamlessly between several different environments. However, the environment and use was not our only concern. Yes, these products are able to work in the rain, in a dessert, anywhere in a correctional facility, but there was still one component we had to look at if we were going to use it, and that was how much real estate on an operators body the computer took up. And when considering the importance of space in a combat environment real-time situation there was only one solution: The GD MR1.

This product is used by the military’s most elite units: Navy Seals, Combat Controllers, etc. It has all the ruggedness of General Dynamics’ other products and it is compact. It fits into a Go-Pouch or a bag.
We like the MR1’s ability to give us access to all of our software, the ability to connect through satellites, cell phone towers, or wi-fi. We were able to exchange information with our TOC or main
command post in real time without having to sacrifice the real estate or having to give up other equipment that we would need to be carrying. This technology didn’t exist prior to the MR1. It gives the operator full access to state of the art software in real time with the latest technology that is compact and able to fit on an operator on the fly.

The MR1 met all of the requirements we have: it’s size is compact, it has great ruggedized protection, the processor speed is fantastic, it is perfect for daylight and lowlight situations, and more. Sure, there is other similar technology out there, PDA’s for example, but when we tested gear like that out, we found we had to take our gloves off, squint at the screen, and all sorts of other annoying aspects. The MR1 gives us the technology we need, the access we need, and the usability we demand.

Over our next several publications we are going to be talking about the ruggedized computer technology that is being used in corrections environments and how it is aiding in operators completing their missions in a much more effective and efficient manner as well as being able to share and work off real time information exchange processes.

If your agency has ever considered computer technology, and we know that many agencies in the past have shied away from CPU technology due to its frail nature or the misrepresentation of products that were supposed to be tough you need to check out these upcoming articles. They are going to prove to you that the best technology is proven, and is out there, and we want to show you just how far your team can go with it. We’re not asking you to look for a sales pitch; we want you to go with combat proven effectiveness. There are products out there that might save you a hundred dollars here or there, but the ineffective nature could cost you thousands in replacements, or worse, the mission.

What’s more about General Dynamics is that they offer superior customer service. This helpfulness
coupled with their advanced technological design, and user friendliness sets them apart from the rest
of the field. It is only natural that they have received the honor of working the best technology in the
harshest environments with the world’s best conducting special operations. General Dynamic products
are a welcome technology in the corrections business. They have set the standard that we will follow
from the years to come.

Next month we’ll be talking about software technologies that are developing solutions for the law
enforcement and corrections community. Check back soon for more!