The Massachusetts State Police selected NEWCOM to implement an integrated notification system that alerts drivers to nearby emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens. The goal is to equip drivers with real-time information to improve transportation. NEWCOM collaborated with HAAS Alert and Massachusetts State Police to install the system and activate Safety Cloud® digital alerting.
The Challenge
The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) was in need of a solution provider to install and activate Safety Cloud in designated cruisers and allow drivers to safely navigate and fulfill their responsibilities under the Commonwealth’s Move Over and Hands Free Laws. Reducing dangerous crashes with emergency vehicles also aligns with the department’s strategic focus on the safety, health, and wellness of Troopers. MSP recognized the need for a comprehensive digital alerting solution to reduce risks and promote safety through enhanced situational awareness.
MSP faced key challenges to initiate Safety Cloud services. First, the Department required installation services of HAAS Alert transponders and integration of their Safety Cloud platform to enable digital alerts across the Commonwealth. This included deploying the technology to more than 478 marked cruisers across six patrol areas.
Second, MSP patrols the entire state and deals with a significant amount of traffic and congestion statewide, resulting in a higher amount of roadway strikes with Troopers on-the-shoulder. The situation is compounded with increased tourist traffic, Boston metro area commuters, and due to weather related roadway hazards.
MSP’s procurement process presented an additional challenge. This was a major driver in the decision to seek a local partner experienced with public sector accounts throughout New England. MSP’s goal was to improve roadway safety through digital alerting, however achieving it required a partner who could provide end-to-end support and strategic guidance in project management to coordinate with multiple patrol areas and HAAS Alert’s internal team.
Customer Profile
The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) serves as the statewide law enforcement agency and maintains investigative, tactical, and support units throughout the Commonwealth.
MSP was in need of a solution provider to implement a vehicle notification system to help reduce dangerous crashes and align with the safety, health, and wellness of Troopers.
Industry
Public Safety
Challenges
- Improve compliance with Move Over and Hands-Free laws to reduce collisions
- Rapid connection to designated cruisers
- Meet deadlines and troubleshoot in a timely manner
- Adhere to procurement process with trusted vendor
”One of our key initiatives is roadside safety. What it allows us to do is it gives us an advanced warning so that motorists either know that we’re up ahead or that we are coming up in route to some sort of roadside hazard up ahead. NEWCOM has been a great partner in helping us as we procure these items and set up a schedule to help us deploy these because they are often going into vehicles that are already in service.”
Lieutenant Sean ReardonUnit Commander, Traffic Programs Section, Massachusetts State Police
Proposed Solution
NEWCOM, as a local, contract-approved vendor, was chosen by the Massachusetts State Police to provide a streamlined path to deployment. As a registered vendor on the Commonwealth’s ITC73 contract through the Operational Services Division (OSD) and trusted HAAS Alert partner, NEWCOM eliminated the cost and delay of going out to bid, enabling MSP to quickly move forward with implementing Safety Cloud digital alerting technology in designated cruisers. This initiative is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered by the Office of Grants and Research within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
In collaboration with HAAS Alert, NEWCOM delivers a turnkey solution that includes Safety Cloud subscriptions for Responder-to-Vehicle (R2V) alerts and installation of HA-7 transponders, as well as full project management and post-sale support. NEWCOM serves as the system integrator between MSP and HAAS Alert to ensure efficient, statewide deployment.
Key Enhancements
Future Plans
MSP aims to equip more than 478 designated patrol vehicles in the first year and continue the initiative, with funding covering installation costs, subscription fees, and ongoing support services for previously installed vehicles. NEWCOM will collaborate with MSP to install the system and activate Safety Cloud services. NEWCOM will provide continued support to MSP on this important initiative which includes future installations of the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud in designated patrol vehicles with a common goal to expand coverage to the entire fleet, including vehicles from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
Summary
NEWCOM and HAAS Alert, in joint efforts are providing first responders with advanced technology and services to the Massachusetts State Police. The first and second phase of deployment for the Massachusetts State Police consists of six patrol areas and over 478 marked cruisers across the Commonwealth. The technology will improve safety for first responders and passing motorists and reduce the number of struck-by collisions with first responder vehicles while en route or on the shoulder. In conclusion, first responder teams can now notify drivers of active emergency vehicles before they are visible by leveraging Safety Cloud digital alerting solutions.
Our Partner
”Working with NEWCOM has been exceptional. They are a great partner, and the synergies we share to use cutting-edge solutions to solve very real and dangerous challenges for our customers is amazing. Massachusetts State Police is yet another example of our combined commitment to the health, safety, and wellness of emergency responders and the communities they serve.”
Thomas ParbsVice President of Sales, HAAS Alert
