New Technology Protects Police Laptops

POSTED: 12:35 pm EST January 4, 2007
UPDATED: 2:43 pm EST January 4, 2007

LONGWOOD, Fla. -- As identity theft victimizes more and more people, local police realize they have access to sensitive information in their laptop computers.

Police in Longwood have taken a huge step toward protecting that information, WESH 2 News reported.
They're using James Bond-like technology to protect police reports and investigative files -- all things an officer needs but information that officials said must be kept private.

Panic has ensued in the past when Census Bureau laptops and computers from the Veterans Administration were stolen. Authorities said that's why Longwood police spent an extra $200 per computer to increase security.

"A couple hundred dollars per unit is a small price to pay to ensure their information is secure," Longwood Police Department representative Herb Stewartson said. "If somebody were to steal one of those laptops, potentially they could have that information right in their lap (like) information on where you live, your name, Social Security number, mother's maiden name."

An officer on a call may leave their car, but the laptop stays behind, and even though the car is locked up, somebody could break in and take it. The new technology means it's no good to anybody unless they have the right fingerprint.

Technically, it's more than the print. There has to be a pulse and body temperature.
"Any type of business and your home computers that contains your identity-sensitive information, of course, you can protect your computers, Data Securities representative Carrie Herrmann said.

The technology even locks the computer if somebody walks away from it for a minute or two. It's much more secure than a simple password, officials said.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is also looking at the technology. Orlando police will get a demonstration in two weeks, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office hopes to have it on all their computers in the next couple of years.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Dave McDaniel.
Copyright 2007 by WESH.COM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.