[Skip to main content](https://www.t-mobile.com#content-main) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/network-services) Network - [Coverage & network support](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/network-services) - [T-Satellite](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/starlink-satellite-phone-service) - [Products & solutions](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions) Products & solutions - [Solutions](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions) - [Priority & Preemption](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions/network-priority-for-critical-communications) - [Mission Critical Push-to-talk](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions/mission-critical-push-to-talk-service) - [Eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility) Eligibility - [Agency & business eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility) - [Device eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility/devices) - [Resources](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources) Resources - [Articles & case studies](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources) - [Rate plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-plan) Rate plans - [Agency & business plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-plan) - [Personal plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/first-responder-discounts) - [Why T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority) Why T-Priority - [FAQs](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority) Contact us Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions - [Wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) - [Prepaid](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home) - [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) - [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) - [SuperMobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/plans/supermobile) [](https://www.t-mobile.com) # Wichita PD: upgrading police technology to protect and serve Powerful law enforcement tools on the nation’s largest 5G network save time, improve operations, and boost morale. __5 min read__ KEY TAKEAWAYS - __The Wichita Police Department has eliminated an improvised combination of communication devices in favor of smartphones to help its officers in the field.__ - __Since the department issued smartphones to its personnel, public safety officials have experienced improved operations, increased community engagement, and more positive police-citizen relations.__ - __Powered by the seamless T-Mobile 5G network, the equipment now forms the foundation of a more connected, mobile, and agile force.__ Today’s policing requires the ability to gather, catalog, access, and analyze an ever-expanding amount and variety of data. It also requires reliable connectivity to maintain crucial communication with fellow officers and supervisors, as well as situational awareness. Smartphones allow officers to work more efficiently, spending more time in the field and increasing community engagement. That was the case for the Wichita Police Department in 2020, which had been providing smartphones to a limited number of personnel such as command staff or special assignments. The force of 500 officers was spread thin serving the largest city in Kansas and its population of 397,532 people spread over 139 square miles. Though property crime and burglary declined significantly during the pandemic, motor vehicle thefts and homicides increased. Morale was low and officers struggled to communicate effectively with citizens amid pandemic concerns and social distancing restrictions. ## Replacing outdated law enforcement tech The department was looking to leverage technology more intentionally but had been working with limited resources. Officers were using iPods in the field—a now-discontinued, phoneless handheld device—connected to Bluetooth to upload, title, and categorize footage from body cameras and handheld video cameras. The iPods offered other functions, including still photography, voice recording, and license plate readers, but at the cost of mobility. Every few hours, officers had to drive back to a station and connect to Wi-Fi to communicate and upload data to the network or to make phone calls. ## Smartphones provide a long-term solution to a wide range of challenges Seeking to improve operations and police-citizen relations, the department issued smartphones to all sworn personnel as well as select support positions. The department now has 650+ mobile devices and approximately 400 mobile data terminals (MDTs) with T-Mobile SIMs. This equipment forms the foundation of a more connected, mobile, and agile force. “It’s invaluable what officers can do with this service,” says Officer Timothy Baird. “It speeds up our response time and provides digital solutions for better policing.” Now, with smartphones and high-speed wireless from T-Mobile for Government in the hands of every law enforcement officer (LEO) in Wichita, enhanced mobile connectivity is enabling fast data transfers and remote communications. Officers can log information while in the field, allowing for increased patrol time and improved community engagement. A tremendous amount of crime scene evidence—including photos, audio, and video recordings—can be quickly collected, and sent to crime analysts, even as the responding officer travels to another incident. Officers regularly use their smartphones to contact victims and witnesses from the field, rather than returning to the station. “It’s invaluable what officers can do with this service. It speeds up our response time and provides digital solutions for better policing.” __Officer Timothy Baird, Wichita Police Department__ Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Real-time information sharing and communications have improved patrol operations. For instance, an officer is now able to send a photo of a missing person to the public information officer, who can then post it on social media, even from home, resulting in the information getting to the public faster. ## Powerful LEO tools save time, improve operations, and boost morale The T-Mobile 5G network also allows the department to take advantage of powerful mobile equipment and applications, including: - __Using Axon Air, Wichita Police Department drones equipped with high-resolution cameras communicate with Cradlepoint routers that have T-Mobile SIMs. The program is dramatically improving operational capability and effectiveness. According to the department, “These drones will be invaluable in locating missing persons or assisting during natural disasters, allowing us to provide crucial support to our community in times of need.”__ - __MobileDetect, a platform that allows field testing of suspected illicit substances, helps provide more accurate in-field drug detection.__ - __Flock license plate readers (LPRs) can send real-time alerts to officers’ phones after spotting a vehicle of interest. Officers can then use their smartphones to access additional information from the LPR system.__ - __PD Share, an application developed with Wichita State University, helps officers connect crime and abuse victims to support resources via text or QR code.__ > The T-Mobile 5G network allows the department to take advantage of powerful mobile equipment and applications.  ## Built for tomorrow’s emergencies. Ready today. First responders deserve the ultimate in network performance and we are ready to deliver the 5G era of public safety now, with the America’s first 5G slice that prioritizes public safety. [Get the details](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) For qualifying emergency response organizations or individual first responders on eligible rate plans. Not available with Connecting Heroes rate plans. ## Built for tomorrow’s emergencies. Ready today. ## Recommended reading  ADVANCED 5G CONNECTIVITY ### Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations. [Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations.](https://www.t-mobile.com) Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations. [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources/ai-incident-response-platform) ## Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations.  ALL-IN-ONE 5G SMARTPHONES ### Elevating policing with smart technology. [Elevating policing with smart technology.](https://www.t-mobile.com) Elevating policing with smart technology. [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources/monroe-county-police-technology) ## Elevating policing with smart technology.  EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM ### Fast, flexible, and always ready to support. [Fast, flexible, and always ready to support.](https://www.t-mobile.com) Fast, flexible, and always ready to support. [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority/emergency-response-team) ## Fast, flexible, and always ready to support. Share this page - [](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Flaw-enforcement-technology) - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Flaw-enforcement-technology) - [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Flaw-enforcement-technology&text=) Let’s talk. Speak to an expert T-Priority is for qualifying organizations on eligible rate plans. WPS enrollment with USDHS required for enhanced network functionality (including priority access, preemption, basic performance baseline, and T-Priority Slice features). Features available on our network; not available while roaming. T-Priority Slice features (data prioritization and enhanced downlink baseline) available in areas of Ultra Capacity 5G coverage with capable device and 5G Standalone settings; see T-Mobile.com/5Glayers. Baseline commits available network resources to help maintain threshold throughput; does not guarantee threshold speeds in all network conditions. Coverage not available in some areas; check your response area. 2.5x faster all-network speeds based on Opensignal Awards – USA: Mobile Network Experience Report July 2024. ## Follow T-Mobile for Business - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/t-mobile-business/?INTNAV=fNav%3ALinkedIn) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Tmobileforbusiness/) - [X](https://twitter.com/TMobileBusiness/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@t-mobileforbusiness) - [English](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [Español](https://www.t-mobile.com) - ### Contact an expert Contact an expert - [Talk to an expert 1-855-977-4135](tel:) - [Email an expert](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/b2b-contact-information) - ### Customer Care Customer Care - [My account log in](https://tfb.t-mobile.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3AMyAccountLogin) - [Call a CARE expert](tel:) - [Online support site](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business) - ### Plans Plans - [Business Phone plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) - [International coverage](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/international-coverage) - [Small Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/small-business-internet) - [Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/business-internet) - ### Resources Resources - [Reasons to switch](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/reasons-switch-t-mobile-business) - [DIGITS](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/digits) - [Merger benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/t-mobile-sprint-merger-benefits) - [Events](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/t-mobile-events-webinars) - ### Segments & Industries Segments & Industries - [Small/Medium businesses](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/small-midsize-business) - [Enterprise](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/enterprise) - [Government](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government) - [Public safety](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government/public-safety) - [Education](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education) - [Libraries](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/industry-solutions/libraries) - ### More from T-Mobile More from T-Mobile - [Wholesale](https://t-mobile.com/wholesale?INTNAV=fNav%3AWholesale) - [Consumer wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Become a T-Mobile Partner](https://businesspartners.t-mobile.com/English/program_overview.aspx?INTNAV=fNav%3ABecomeT-MobilePartner) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [About](https://www.t-mobile.com/about-us) - [Investor relations](https://investor.t-mobile.com/investors/default.aspx?INTNAV=fNav%3AInvestorRelations) - [Press](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.t-mobile.com/careers) - [Deutsche Telekom](https://www.telekom.com/en?INTNAV=fNav%3ADeutscheTelekom) - [Puerto Rico](https://www.t-mobilepr.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3APuertoRico) - [Privacy notice](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/our-practices/privacy-policy) - [Trust Center](https://security.t-mobile.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3ATrustCenter) - [Privacy Center](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center) - [Consumer information](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info) - [Public safety/911](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/safety/9-1-1) - [Terms & conditions](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/terms-and-conditions) - [Terms of use](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/terms-of-use) - [Accessibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy) - [Open Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/internet-service) - [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [Licenses & Patents](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/licenses-and-patents) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tmobile/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Tmobileforbusiness/) - [X](https://twitter.com/TMobileBusiness/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@t-mobileforbusiness) © 2026 T‑Mobile USA, Inc. ## Built for tomorrow’s emergencies. Ready today. ## Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations. ## Elevating policing with smart technology. ## Fast, flexible, and always ready to support.