The use of voice commands for selecting languages and phrases leaves the officer's hands free. The VRT device is intended for use in both routine and emergency encounters with non-English speaking persons. OPD evaluated the operational relevancy of the phrases to be used, the appropriateness of the foreign language phrases, and the device's ergonomic aspects. OPD also assessed citizen and community group reactions to VRT using demonstrations of the device. IWT completed the initial development of the VRT in December of 1997.
Future plans call for miniaturization.
Future prototypes will likely be the size of a hand-held calculator. All prototypes must be subjected to a full-scale operational evaluation by police officers.