WRQ's Reflection transforms policing
Announcement posted by WRQ Software 17 May 2002
Queensland Police integrate Unix database with web-based 'mug shots' for more rapid suspect identification
The Queensland Police has developed and is using WRQ's Reflection emulation product to integrate their 'mug shots' picture database with their core operational policing system, Polaris.
This system was developed, in-house using the easy-to-drive scripting features within Reflection.
Prior to this system being installed, the police had to first look up suspect details in the Polaris system, copy down identifying information, and then launch the mug shots database separately, and retype this information to perform a search for the image. This was time-consuming and consequently the image was often not looked up by the police.
The Polaris system is a text-only system, which does not have the ability to store or display images.
With the integration of the web-based mug shots database into Polaris, the police officers simply search for the name of the person in Polaris and hit a button to display the image of the person in a browser window. The integration simplifies the search for suspects, ensures that the correct image is displayed by eliminating typing errors, and means the officers can now run all their queries from one core application - Polaris.
"The integration of Polaris with the web-based mug shot system, using our Reflection emulation solution is extremely clever and innovative. In a matter of minutes, the Queensland Police have unlocked their Unix-based Polaris data and integrated it with their graphical, web-based mugs shot system without the need to make any changes to the original Unix system," said Audrey Lyon, General Manager, WRQ Australia.
"Queensland Police's creative use of our technology, clearly demonstrates the value that our customers can and do derive from their existing IT investments," she continued.
The system has been rolled out to all policing locations in the state. The Police ran a pilot of the system approximately 3 to 4 months ago. Such was the success of the pilot that they decided to roll it out statewide shortly after it had completed.
Jeff Tendero, Applications Manager, Queensland Police, "Queensland Police had already been using Reflection for host access, so it was a proven application. I found it straightforward and simple to add a few new features to our existing Unix-based Polaris system, using the Microsoft VBA-based standard scripting facilities of Reflection.
"It is certainly unusual to have a text-based system bringing up images. However, it has allowed us to provide a significant extra piece of functionality to the police and simplify the work process, with minimal effort and cost, and has enhanced the value of our existing systems.
"The officers and other staff were amazed at the ease with which the system could be used, with little or no training. They realised immediately the savings that had been made as a result of adding new features the existing Polaris system," he said.
-Ends-
WRQ Products
Supported by quality consulting services and technical support, WRQ Reflection and WRQ Verastream turn IT obstacles into opportunities. Reflection solutions are designed to simplify and reduce the costs of accessing applications and data on host systems. These solutions offer important added value by allowing business to take advantage of new technologies for increased security, broader access and improved administration. Building on WRQ's expertise in host-intensive environments, Verastream solutions are designed to help customers integrate vital data, applications, and business logic across the enterprise. With Verastream, businesses can adapt and reuse existing data and business logic trapped in host legacy systems without altering original code.
About WRQ
We specialize in integration software and services that let you quickly adapt your host-intensive environments to meet new business needs. For 21 years, we've been helping our customers access and integrate information to transform the way they do business. With more than 26,000 customers representing eight million users worldwide, we are one of the top software companies in the U.S. We sell our award-winning Reflection and Verastream products directly and through a global network of business partners. www.wrq.com
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WRQ and WRQ products are trademarks or registered trademarks of WRQ Inc. All other trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.
This system was developed, in-house using the easy-to-drive scripting features within Reflection.
Prior to this system being installed, the police had to first look up suspect details in the Polaris system, copy down identifying information, and then launch the mug shots database separately, and retype this information to perform a search for the image. This was time-consuming and consequently the image was often not looked up by the police.
The Polaris system is a text-only system, which does not have the ability to store or display images.
With the integration of the web-based mug shots database into Polaris, the police officers simply search for the name of the person in Polaris and hit a button to display the image of the person in a browser window. The integration simplifies the search for suspects, ensures that the correct image is displayed by eliminating typing errors, and means the officers can now run all their queries from one core application - Polaris.
"The integration of Polaris with the web-based mug shot system, using our Reflection emulation solution is extremely clever and innovative. In a matter of minutes, the Queensland Police have unlocked their Unix-based Polaris data and integrated it with their graphical, web-based mugs shot system without the need to make any changes to the original Unix system," said Audrey Lyon, General Manager, WRQ Australia.
"Queensland Police's creative use of our technology, clearly demonstrates the value that our customers can and do derive from their existing IT investments," she continued.
The system has been rolled out to all policing locations in the state. The Police ran a pilot of the system approximately 3 to 4 months ago. Such was the success of the pilot that they decided to roll it out statewide shortly after it had completed.
Jeff Tendero, Applications Manager, Queensland Police, "Queensland Police had already been using Reflection for host access, so it was a proven application. I found it straightforward and simple to add a few new features to our existing Unix-based Polaris system, using the Microsoft VBA-based standard scripting facilities of Reflection.
"It is certainly unusual to have a text-based system bringing up images. However, it has allowed us to provide a significant extra piece of functionality to the police and simplify the work process, with minimal effort and cost, and has enhanced the value of our existing systems.
"The officers and other staff were amazed at the ease with which the system could be used, with little or no training. They realised immediately the savings that had been made as a result of adding new features the existing Polaris system," he said.
-Ends-
WRQ Products
Supported by quality consulting services and technical support, WRQ Reflection and WRQ Verastream turn IT obstacles into opportunities. Reflection solutions are designed to simplify and reduce the costs of accessing applications and data on host systems. These solutions offer important added value by allowing business to take advantage of new technologies for increased security, broader access and improved administration. Building on WRQ's expertise in host-intensive environments, Verastream solutions are designed to help customers integrate vital data, applications, and business logic across the enterprise. With Verastream, businesses can adapt and reuse existing data and business logic trapped in host legacy systems without altering original code.
About WRQ
We specialize in integration software and services that let you quickly adapt your host-intensive environments to meet new business needs. For 21 years, we've been helping our customers access and integrate information to transform the way they do business. With more than 26,000 customers representing eight million users worldwide, we are one of the top software companies in the U.S. We sell our award-winning Reflection and Verastream products directly and through a global network of business partners. www.wrq.com
###
WRQ and WRQ products are trademarks or registered trademarks of WRQ Inc. All other trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.