Having a computer available in a police car can help law enforcers tend to their duty more efficiently. Often, however, the car would feature just a small laptop and a strong tray to support it. There are two downsizes to this solution: first, safety is jeopardized since airbags could be obstructed on opening and, second, comfort is reduced since the copilot is losing ample leg space.
Police car maker Dodge has, however, managed to find a significantly better solution, both visually and functionally.
Dodge has switched from the standard laptop-controlled UConnect display of only five inches to an impressive 12.1-inch, portrait-framed touchscreen. Named UConnect 12.1, the new display eases policemen into the change by keeping the bulky computer in the trunk and accessing it through an Ethernet cable.
There are multiple advantages to this. First, it is cheaper than doing laptop upgrades and installations. This means a consistent economy for the police because there is no need for new acquisitions. Second, the training of officers takes very little time since the difference is only in the screen and not the whole system.
For cops who do not want to part with the familiar-sized screen, a simple touch of a "button" brings the Fiat Chrysler's familiar 8.4-inch display onto the 12.1-inch display. Tapping the screen once more makes the full touchscreen functional again. A menu bar will frame the top of the touchscreen and is easily customized by police personnel. Users can transfer options from the application menu to the display by using drag and drop movements, promised to function properly even for glove wearing officers.
"As America's high-performance police vehicle, Dodge Charger Pursuit is going big for 2016, offering a massive, Uconnect touchscreen system that streamlines a law enforcement officer's computer system with our easy-to-use Uconnect system—on an all-new laptop-sized 12.1-inch touchscreen display," Tim Kuniskis, Dodge and SRT's president and CEO, said.
Kuniskis also pointed out that UConnect was tested to meet the serious stress requirements of a Charger Pursuit vehicle, and it passed every trial with excellence.
Dodge will start receiving orders for the Charger Pursuit equipped with UConnect 12.1 in January, with production being scheduled for March.
