Telematics technology is principally an expertise that utilizes flow of information by means of telecommunications devices with capability of influencing control of remote objects. Moreover, telematics technology is defined on the limited basis of vehicles. This simply means that it is the integration of informatics and telecommunications for vehicle application and control while on the move. Telematics technology is typified with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology. The Global Position System is incorporated within computers. Furthermore, telematics is epitomized by Mobile Communication Technology (MCT) that is crucial in automobile navigation systems. Telematics technology was first introduced about three decades ago. The introduction was by Alain Minc and Simon Nora. Initially the process of telematics was considered a procedure of long range transmission and flow of information (Cassias, 2008).
Functioning and Working of Telematics Technology
Cassias, (2008), affirm that telematics technology is used in automobiles. This is chiefly for tracking purposes. The ability of tracking is based on wireless transmission of information from a vehicle being tracked to a central telematics gadget tracking the vehicle. The information is transferred from one machine to another machine in contrasting locations.
In order to utilize telematics technology it is pivotal that a car for example a bait car be fixed with the gadgets. The device has several functions such as tracking the movement of the vehicle, locking the doors and windows, locking the engine, tracking and measuring the car being driven. The device is widely utilized by law enforcement agents to track and arrest criminal such as car thieves. Moreover, the device has the capability of tracking drivers. Fundamentally, the telematics device is fitted into bait car. The device measures data and transfers it wirelessly to recipient telematics device. The recipient telematics device is often located at the law enforcement center tracking the movements stolen bait car. The feedback generated on the recipient telematics device is exploited to ascertain location of the car, the braking system of the car, rate of acceleration and time frame of driving (Cassias, 2008).
Telematics technology is also utilized in vehicle tracking, trailer tracking, and container tracking, and satellite navigation, wireless communication in vehicles, mobile data, fleet management and insurance covers for vehicles. Telematics technology works based on the wireless transfer or flow of information. The wireless flow of information is facilitated by the presence of a feeder satellite, which receives information from the black box or the telematics device in machines being tracked and transfers the data to recipient telematics device. This solely means that the technology has the ability to transfer information for extremely long distances. The ability to transfer information within an exceptional long distance is the focal reason for law enforcement agents to utilize telematics technology (Cassias, 2008).
The utilization of telematics technology by law enforcers
Law enforcers utilize telematics technology for monitoring and tracking of stolen cars and road users. This is merely because of the ability of the technology to transfer information from one point to another wirelessly. The monitoring and tracking process by law enforcers guarantees that a bait car stolen is monitored and tracked. The monitoring and tracking process by law enforcers is facilitated using GPS and a corresponding GPRS or GSM electronic devices. The devices are installed into vehicles (bait cars) operating within the borders of United States. The devices have the ability to send information from the bait car or fleet of vehicles to GPRS devices owned by law enforcement agents. The ability of information flow is facilitated by presence of the satellite and the mapping software within the devices. The accuracy of the tracking and monitoring process is exceptionally high meaning that the bait car is easily detected (Bennett & Hess, 2006).
Law enforcement officers utilize telematics technology in the following applications. The first application is in tracking and monitoring of road users. Law enforcers use the technology in tracking road users in terms of over speeding, overlapping and abuse of traffic laws. After identifying road users abusing established traffic laws, law enforcers effortlessly identify the location of the vehicle. After identification the law enforcers on patrol are informed who in turn arrest the road user.
Secondly, law enforcers use telematics technology in tracking of stolen vehicles using bait cars. Bait cars are usually installed with the GPS tracking systems and video investigation systems. The systems can be easily controlled and monitored by remote. Vehicles with the black box and “killer switch” devices are definitely tracked by law enforcers. This is accredited to the device transmitting information on its location and acceleration rate for law enforcers. The killer switch is controlled by law enforcers where they can switch it on when the vehicle is stolen. The killer switch will guarantee that the doors and the engine of vehicle are automatically switched off.
Lastly, law enforcers utilize the technology in intelligence and emergency warning vehicle systems. This is merely because of the use of silicon micro machined equipment that plays a pivotal role in safety of vehicles. The technology is efficient in warning users on the safety of vehicles. Telematics technology has revolutionized the law enforcement particularly in ensuring safety of American citizens’ cars. This is through ensuring that cars can be easily tracked, monitored and switched off when it is necessary (Bennett & Hess, 2006).
References
Bennett, W. & Hess, K. (2006). Criminal Investigation. Cengage Learning.
Cassias, I. (2008). Project54 Vehicle Telematics for Remote Diagnostics, Fleet Management and Traffic Monitoring. New Hampshire: ProQuest.
