The Housing Authority developed the system at the request of public housing residents, who wanted the city to control roving gangs and squatters. The Housing Authority will issue identification cards to residents. Police officers and authority officials will scan bar codes on the identification cards to verify legitimate residents. Housing Authority workers will scan the cards using the handheld devices that clip onto their belts. About 1,000 users statewide have limited or full access.
Limited access means a user has read-only privileges.
The wireless devices are more secure than conventional police communications such as radios because the digital signals cannot be easily monitored, Mohl said. The devices will also help track information about residents and about actions taken by the police and the Housing Authority. The project also has wider implications, Schmitt said. Vehicle owners in the housing projects can be monitored to determine their migration patterns and what activities are taking place, he said. All rights reserved.