WBI, AFRL Bring Human Factors Engineering to Dayton Police Force

25.11.19 08:48 PM By Jennie Hempstead

Improving the information delivery and safety systems in police cars can reduce the one million plus costs associated with accidents.
Dayton Police photo from WHIO.
Photo courtesy of WHIO.
The military and police forces are interested in applying Air Force Research Laboratory human factors engineering approaches and technologies to police squad cars. AFRL/RH has led this project because of the potential of technology transfer and transition to police forces. Officers from the Dayton Police Department and a representative of the military police force have been significantly involved in this WBI Sprint. 

By improving the information delivery and safety features in military and civilian police squad cars, significant cost and manpower savings will accrue. In a community of 200,000 residents, squad cars are typically involved in over 100 accidents per year resulting in a cost of over one million dollars in property damage. In addition, the effectiveness of the military and civilian police in responding to emergency calls could be improved significantly.

Several approaches to improving the information delivery and safety systems in police cars were identified and examined. A matrix of various approaches and technology transitions, such as heads-up displays, was delivered to the police forces for further implementation and examination. The costs/benefits of several of these approaches were investigated and significant improvements in police effectiveness could result from this effort.

WBI planned, developed and managed this Sprint and the Sprint was executed at WBI-Springfield Street from November 4-8, 2019. Planning for the Sprint was extensive with several meetings, workshops and field investigations, all led by WBI in conjunction with AFRL/RH personnel and members of various police user communities. A report is being prepared and will be presented to the user communities later this month.


Jennie Hempstead