Motorola Solutions boosts safety for frontline workers with new body camera

Motorola Solutions has unveiled the V200, a body camera designed specifically to help protect frontline workers in stores, hospitals, hotels, schools and stadiums. Workers in these settings regularly face safety concerns, from unwelcome behaviour to theft and medical emergencies. The new V200, with its GoLive Audio safety feature, offers a direct connection to help.

The V200 joins Motorola Solutions’ ecosystem of enterprise security technologies, which includes purpose-built video security, access control and communications solutions to help improve safety and security across schools, hospitals and businesses of all sizes.

Features of the V200

The V200 body camera is a discreet, lightweight addition to a worker’s uniform. The recording feature can be activated with the push of a button to document a situation, which also serves as an effective deterrent for unwanted behaviour.

In more serious scenarios, such as medical incidents or crime, activation of the GoLive Audio feature can engage security personnel or a supervisor, who can access live video and audio and interject via the camera’s speaker. This kind of immediate intervention allows the frontline worker to focus on the situation while directly receiving support.

Motorola Solutions, Corporate Vice President of Command Centre Software and Evidence Products, Jeremiah Nelson’s statement

Jeremiah Nelson, Corporate Vice President of Command Centre Software and Evidence Products at Motorola Solutions, stated: “Industries like retail, healthcare, hospitality and education are recognising the value of body cameras to improve safety for their workers and those they serve.

“In these environments, feeling safe at work is key. The V200 was purpose-built to give frontline workers peace of mind on the job, offering proactive and immediate assistance when and where they need it.”

Loss Prevention Research Council’s Executive Director, Dr. Read Hayes statement

Dr. Read Hayes, Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Council acknowledged that: “When people feel safe, they can be more focused and productive.

“Body worn cameras are an investment in employee safety and morale which can have a direct and positive impact on team efficiency and the overall work environment.”

Importance of body cameras

As a provider of enterprise security technology solutions, Motorola Solutions explored worker sentiment related to body cameras in its 2024 UK report on retail worker safety. It found that more than a quarter of workers have considered quitting their jobs due to safety concerns, about half of workers think body cameras could make them feel safer and the majority believe body camera recordings could aid in investigations. In the UK, where body cameras are more widely adopted, 70% said body cameras are effective in de-escalating dangerous situations.

Motorola Solutions new body camera designed to boost safety for frontline workers: Summary

Frontline workers in stores, hospitals, hotels, schools and stadiums regularly face safety risks such as unwelcome behaviour and medical emergencies. To provide a solution to this growing issue, Motorola Solutions have launched their new V200 body camera.

Four UK fire services adopt shared control room technology

Shared control room solution for improved response

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Shropshire FRS, Cleveland Fire Brigade, and County Durham and Darlington FRS have collaborated to implement a new shared Control Room Solution (CRS), as reported by Motorola Solutions.

The CRS integrates workflows from call handling to dispatch, creating a unified response system.

Each control room can operate independently or as part of a collaborative services hub, ensuring scalability during peak demand.

The solution aims to standardise data and processes, enabling control room staff to respond faster and more effectively to incidents.

Enhanced collaboration during emergencies

Jon Pryce, Chief Fire Officer at Hereford and Worcester FRS, highlighted the importance of the control room’s role in emergency response.

He said: “By creating this new multi-agency hub, our four fire services can manage incidents together when they need to, such as in spate conditions, when a control room may need to cover a large amount of incoming 999 calls.”

The shared platform facilitates joint management of high-demand scenarios, maximising staff capabilities and leveraging advanced technology to support frontline responders.

Standardisation to streamline operations

Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland country manager for Motorola Solutions, explained the benefits of the shared infrastructure: “By adopting this innovative approach, fire and rescue services can enhance capabilities, improve service delivery and minimise costs by sharing the same underlying infrastructure.”

The hub solution ensures seamless information exchange during joint operations while increasing scalability to handle varying demand levels, contributing to quicker response times.

Platform features and coverage

The deployment includes an Integrated Communication Control System (ICCS), computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and data recording capabilities.

These features enhance the resilience and effectiveness of incident response across the four FRSs, which collectively operate 77 fire stations and serve a population of 2.5 million.

The CRS will enable fire services to manage incidents collaboratively while maintaining independent operational capabilities.

Four UK fire services adopt shared control room technology: Summary

Hereford and Worcester FRS, Shropshire FRS, Cleveland Fire Brigade, and County Durham and Darlington FRS have introduced a shared Control Room Solution provided by Motorola Solutions.

The platform integrates workflows, standardises data, and supports independent and joint operations across the services.

The solution, featuring ICCS, CAD, and data recording systems, enhances incident response and operational resilience.

Covering 77 fire stations and a population of 2.5 million, the collaboration ensures improved service delivery, scalability, and cost efficiency during emergencies.

Motorola Solutions strengthens emergency dispatch technology portfolio with 3tc Software acquisition

Motorola Solutions expands UK emergency service technology offerings

Motorola Solutions has announced its acquisition of Leicestershire-based 3tc Software, a provider of specialised control room software for emergency services across the United Kingdom.

3tc’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software is designed to assist Fire and Rescue Services as well as Police in responding efficiently to emergency situations.

This acquisition adds to Motorola Solutions’ Command Center portfolio, enhancing its support for the UK’s public safety sector.

The 3tc CAD system improves the speed and accuracy of 999 call-taker responses by integrating real-time data on caller location and nearby emergency responders into a single-screen display.

This streamlined approach allows dispatchers to rapidly connect callers with the assistance they need.

Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Motorola Solutions, highlighted the importance of CAD systems in emergencies, stating: “Every second counts in an emergency, and call takers count on CAD software to efficiently document critical information and quickly connect those in need with those who can help.”

Enhanced CAD capabilities for UK emergency response

The acquisition builds on a longstanding partnership between Motorola Solutions and 3tc Software, which has supported emergency services in the UK for over five years.

Through this acquisition, Motorola aims to expand its offerings specifically for Fire and Rescue Services, supplementing its ongoing work with police dispatch systems.

Saptharishi noted that this acquisition aligns with Motorola’s commitment to enhancing emergency service response technology, particularly within the UK.

David Todd, CEO of 3tc Software, expressed optimism about joining Motorola Solutions, stating: “We share a focus on developing solutions that streamline emergency workflows and are excited to enhance the services we deliver to our emergency services customers.”

Todd’s comments reflect a shared commitment to refining CAD technology for emergency services.

Improving response times through single-screen CAD technology

The integration of 3tc’s CAD system is expected to enhance Motorola Solutions’ capabilities in the public safety space by allowing emergency call-takers to handle high-stress situations with greater efficiency.

The software’s single-screen format, which consolidates caller information and the locations of nearby responders, enables faster decision-making by reducing the need to toggle between multiple displays.

This feature is especially beneficial for 999 call-takers managing multiple calls during peak times.

Motorola Solutions sees the acquisition as a strategic step in bolstering the tools available to UK emergency service providers, specifically targeting the need for quick and accurate response in critical situations.

By incorporating 3tc’s technology, Motorola aims to provide public safety agencies with the resources to operate effectively under pressure.

3tc Software’s role in Motorola’s expanding Command Center portfolio

With the addition of 3tc Software to its portfolio, Motorola Solutions continues to grow its range of solutions for public safety agencies in the UK.

The Command Center portfolio, which encompasses tools for dispatch, video monitoring, and analytics, now includes CAD software tailored to both Fire and Rescue Services and Police operations.

This targeted focus supports Motorola’s broader goal of delivering efficient, integrated systems that improve operational workflows in emergency response.

This acquisition demonstrates Motorola Solutions’ dedication to developing and enhancing tools for emergency services, leveraging 3tc’s experience and solutions to provide essential support for critical service sectors.

Motorola expands UK emergency service technology offerings: Summary

Motorola Solutions has acquired Leicestershire-based 3tc Software, known for its computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software for emergency services, particularly benefiting Fire and Rescue Services and Police in the UK.

3tc’s CAD system is designed to help 999 call-takers by integrating caller location and responder data into a single-screen interface, streamlining the dispatch process.

The acquisition builds on a five-year collaboration between the companies, enhancing Motorola’s Command Center portfolio and emergency service support capabilities in the UK.

Mahesh Saptharishi of Motorola noted the critical role of CAD in efficient emergency responses.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service upgrades control room technology in the UK

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service deploys new cloud-hosted system

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has announced the implementation of a cloud-hosted Control Room Solution (CRS) developed by Motorola Solutions.

The new system is expected to improve emergency response capabilities through enhanced digitalisation and streamlined workflows.

As reported by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, this update will assist in managing critical situations such as flooding and wildfires, both of which have increased in frequency across the UK in recent years.

Benefits of digital transformation for emergency response

Phil Clark, Area Manager for mobilising and digital transformation at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said the investment would help the service continue its mission of creating safer communities.

He stated: “We are amongst the fastest responding fire and rescue services in the UK for dwelling fires with an average response time of 5 minutes 58 seconds.”

Clark added that the new system will also enable other fire and rescue services to join in, allowing for seamless information sharing and enhanced cooperation during joint operations.

Unified communications through Motorola’s platform

The cloud-hosted CRS includes Motorola Solutions’ CommandCentral Evidence software, which will allow for secure handling of control room voice recordings and the unification of critical communications in a single platform.

This integration will provide Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service with the ability to respond more efficiently to a variety of incidents, ranging from fires to road traffic collisions and civil emergencies.

According to Fergus Mayne, UK  and Ireland country manager at Motorola Solutions, the CRS offers “an intuitive and unified response system that integrates all communications into one efficient and resilient work environment.”

The browser-based platform also allows staff to access the control room remotely, ensuring flexibility in operations.

Community impact and operational vision

The service operates 17 community fire stations across Northeast England, serving over 1.1 million people daily.

In addition to emergency responses, the service delivers fire safety advice to residents and businesses, and carries out various rescue operations including water and structural rescues.

Area Manager Clark emphasised the importance of the new technology in achieving their operational goals: “Our relationship with Motorola Solutions will enable us to realise and deliver our operational vision, which will ultimately help to save lives.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service upgrades control room technology in the UK: Summary

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has implemented a cloud-hosted Control Room Solution (CRS) from Motorola Solutions, aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The system integrates digital workflows and unifies communications, enabling faster responses to incidents such as fires, floods, and road traffic collisions.

The service, which operates 17 fire stations in Northeast England, will also offer other fire and rescue services the opportunity to join the new system.

Phil Clark, Area Manager, highlighted the system’s role in improving scalability and cooperation during joint operations.

Motorola Solutions’ software will allow secure handling of communications, accessible remotely via a browser-based platform, ensuring flexibility in emergency management.

New South Wales enhances public safety network with Motorola Solutions

NSW Telco Authority has awarded Motorola Solutions a five-year contract extension to support and enhance the state’s Public Safety Network (PSN).

The AUD $60 million contract, which includes estimates for future costs, will provide secure and reliable voice and data communication to keep first responders across the state connected at all times.

NSW Telco Authority described PSN as the most important critical communications network in New South Wales next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline as spanning 324,000 square kilometres, it is one of the largest emergency communications networks of its type in the world.

The network will provide instant, team-based communication for more than 50 public safety agencies and over 50,000 radio users across emergency services, essential services, government agencies and local councils.

Motorola Solutions has provided New South Wales’ agencies with vital communications in the face of many major emergencies, supporting rescue and emergency efforts during the recent devastating floods, the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20 and other natural disasters.

It will deliver a comprehensive suite of public safety services for PSN, including network lifecycle upgrades and 24/7 cybersecurity, helping to keep this mission-critical technology up-to-date, secure and performing reliably in any situation.

Software upgrades will provide further advancements to the network’s location, vehicle and personnel protection capabilities. The upgrades will also provide NSW Telco Authority with the flexibility to implement next-generation technologies over time. This includes software to extend the reach of interoperable land mobile radio (LMR) communications to more users via cellular networks as well as the introduction of converged communication devices.

Motorola Solutions’ Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Con Balaskas, said: “PSN provides New South Wales’ agencies with exceptional performance in the harshest environments, enabling coordinated responses to critical incidents and supporting their mission to protect people and places”.