They were also testing some crime fighting devices still in development stages like car mounted video cameras and vehicle tracking systems. Mobile data terminals are proven and here to stay, and they will allow public safety departments to serve their communities more effectively. The huge databases that police and fire units now have available by MDTs will let them make more informed decisions. The information they need is available more quickly than if they voiced their request to the dispatcher, and it is more accurate. The dispatcher is relieved from sorting though the requests of dozens of officers, and the officers are safer because the channel is open for emergencies.
Sensitive information travels in an unreadable format to unauthorized listeners.
These features are the reasons MDTs have become such a valuable tool for progressive police and fire departments.