The database catalogues detailed information on Chicago's citizens, recording medical conditions, disabilities, and language preferences. Since police officers often leave their cars in response to a call, the map represents their vehicles at their last dispatched locations. Over time, as portable locator technologies become more cost-effective, the map will track not only the whereabouts of police vehicles, but also those of officers themselves.
Dispatchers can approve or override the computer's instant routing decision.
On the scene, Chicago police are testing other technological tools.