-
Handcuffs Pantented
Inventor W.V. Adams creates patents the first modern handcuffs. -
First Use of Firearms
Boston is the first city to issue pistols to their officers. -
First law enforcement use of telegraphs
Fire and police departments in Albany, New York begin using telegraphs. -
Fingerprinting first used
A fingerprinting classification system developed by Sir Edward Richard Henry is first used in Scotland Yard. -
Law enforcement begin use of two way radio
The Boston Police department imlements the two-way radio. -
Law enforcement inplements radar
Radar is introduced to traffic police. -
First Vacuum Tube Calculator Use
The New Orleans police department begins usinga a vacuum tube calculator with a punch card sorter and collator that summerizes arrests and warrants. -
TASER is introduced
The TASER stun gun is introduced. This device shoots two wire connected darts into the victim and sends a 50,000 volt shock into their body, temporarily disabling the offender. By 1985, every state police department used TASERS. -
First 911 call placed
Alabama speaker of the House placed the first eve 911 call only 35 days after AT&T announced its creation. -
Next Generation Body Armor
The National Institute of Justice initiated a project that leads to the development of lightweight, flexible, and comfortable protective body armor for the police. The body armor is made from Kevlar, a fabric originally developed to replace steel belting for radial tires. The soft body armor introduced by the Institute is credited with saving the lives of more than 2,000 police officers since its inception into the law enforcement community -
Pepperspray is first used
Pepperspray, or Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, is a chemical agent used to cause pain and temporary blindness in the victims eyes. In 1986, this compound was first used as a force alternative by law enforcement. -
ALPR Developed
Automatic Liscense Plate Recognition system is developed at Cambridge University in response to multiple terrorist attacks. -
Computer Usage Increases
More than 90 percent of U.S. police departments serving a population of 50,000 or more are using computers. Many are using them for such relatively sophisticated applications as criminal investigations, budgeting, dispatch, and manpower allocation. -
IAFIS is Launched
The FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System is launched. This system connects law enforcement agencies and the FBI with fingerprint data, mugshots and other criminal records. -
Biometric Facial Recognition
The Tampa Police Department uses a little known technology to scan the faces of over seventy thousand fans at the Super Bowl for known terroists and criminals. -
Facebook Launches
Facebook, a popular social network launched. It is now an important tool for law enforcement to connect to the public and track criminals. -
StarChase GPS innovated
StarChase, allows officers to deploy a device similar to a dart from the front of their cars. The device sticks to the back of the vehicle police are pursuing and helps track the suspect without the use of a high speed chase. -
TruNarc Developed
The TruNarc system by Thermo Fisher Scientific is developed. This device tests the base of substances to see if they are common narcotics. -
TASER AXON Flex Announced
TASER International's innovative body worn camera is announced.
