Conservation Officers have received iPhones to use in the field, according to a recent media release from the Ministry of Environment.
“Our Conservation Officers are on the move all the time, particularly at this time of year,” said Environment Minister Terry Lake. “Having immediate access to information and being able to share it instantaneously improves their ability to stay apprised of public safety issues and to communicate with each other and with the public.”
With its simple, clear display, the iPhone makes it easy for Conservation Officers to view details of incidents and receive the data they need such as photos, maps and violation histories.
The iPhone also allows administrative tasks to be completed in the field and cuts down on trips back to the office for paperwork. Conservation Officers use a variety of specialized apps developed for the iPhone to perform duties, whether in the office or in the field, including:
* Scanning angling licenses for online verification.
* Recording digital video and voice – voice can be translated through software into an MS Word document.
* Mappings, chartings and GPS functions.
* Scanning and converting documents to PDFs.
With the iPhone and the apps available to perform just about any function, Conservation Officers are also better equipped to collect and decipher field data and communicate during emergencies. As part of the Conservation Officer Service’s technology plan, the service is also looking to install rugged laptops in all patrol vehicles in the fall of 2011.
