Tech Talk: Technology on Patrol | Video

Jerame Novak | 3/20/2013

When North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremy Rost goes out on patrol, he takes nearly every form he will use with him on his laptop.

"So any form I need, we can go on our Highway Patrol forms, fill it out and print it off," he said.

Not only does he have all of his paperwork, but he also uses GPS and a database to automatically fill in information.

"If you had been stopped by us. If we`ve had contact with you before. Just by entering in your driver`s licence number, it would automatically fill in your information."

Using his computer, Rost can also get information on calls and where other troopers are.

With all of the technology in vehicles, safety is important.

"We have hands-free devices for the cell phones in the vehicles, but obviously that doesn`t work on computers, necessarily. But obviously, the troops know that they have to do it in a safe manner to not get themselves hurt or someone else hurt," said NDHP Captain Kyle Kirchmeier.

He adds that new hires are already used to working with a lot of technology.

"So it`s interesting to see where it`s going. But a lot of us that have been around for a long period know that we didn`t have any of this stuff before. Now the young troops coming in, the new troops, they don`t know nothing but these type of things."

The vehicles are also equipped with multiple cameras. Troopers can record and upload video from the field.

Getting information on calls sent by computer also cuts down on radio traffic.

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