Uniform badges with matching bar codes.
Sometimes the simplest tech (*properly* integrated into an existing system) gives the most benefits.
Just a thought.
The Metropolitan Police Service has outlined a number of IT plans aimed at improving its information processes. Its directorate of information's strategic plan for 2010-11 says that technology will play a big part in delivering secure and reliable information "where and when it is needed". This includes the development of e. …
The more technology the is placed between the Plod and the field and his Plod base the more susceptible they are to communications failure.
Good old two-way radio is simple - squeeze the mic button and you are off. Trunked radio systems require the 'command' channel to be received so that the slave transmitter/receivers know which channel to use.
Data transmission only adds to the vulnerability. Think Lemon 4.
Deliberate jamming becomes more simple and even partial transmissions fail to make it through coherently. But that's OK, for police 'clients', as very simple devices can achieve success as in the case of the cell phone jammers.
Of course the cost of these dream systems are horrendous and run against Cameron budget goals.