I am with a small department of 9 patrol Deputies. We are just starting to use CAD (computer aided dispatch). Instead of using mobile data computers, we are exploring the option of using iPads in our squad. MDC's would run about $7,000 for each unit, all said and done. An iPad would be maybe $900.
Does anyone work for an agency that is using iPads in their squads?
Thanks in advance,
Deputy Dave

Good day sir. We too are looking at that very idea ourselves. In fact it sounds like we are just a few steps behind you. Any luck with your research? I was wondering the compatibility of an Apple product with CAD.

I am the director of Prisoner Transportation in Florida. I bought 27 iPad 2 3G 64GB Black's and gave one to each member of our team. We only really use iMessenger and iCal to organize our moves. I bought them for the development of applications. We are looking to use them for more in the future. Our communication has increased greatly just from the purchase of these iPads. Though $20,000 is a lot of money I believe it is well worth it.

I have done nothing with CAD yet, but we are exploring our options and testing out what works best for us. I will post again if I find any useful apps. Until then, the iPads were just a nice Employee perk.

We use the iPad at Va. State Univ. Police department and if you have a good I.T. department you can do a lot. The best Department to talk to about using the iPad is Waverly Virginia. They are a very small department but travel all over the U.S. showing other departments what is possible with the iPad.