At this year's Ryder Cup, which took place in Newport, Wales from 1-3 October, Gwent Police were using 3D mapping technology as part of its security measures to track officers and high-profile individuals, such as members of the Royal Family.
The system was provided to the Gwent Police by Cassidian, formerly known as EADS Defence and Security. The technology provided senior officers with a 3D model of the Celtic Manor course and allowed them to track their officers as avatars. In addition they were able to track a member of the Royal Family, high profile film stars and sporting heroes via their protection contacts.
The concept was conceived by the research and development arm of EADS, EADS Innovation Works, which are currently developing cutting edge methods of ensuring the protection of large scale public events. They not only focus on sporting events but develop methods of securing airports, public water networks and other targets susceptible to terrorist attack. Cassidian also has departments that focus on the handling of terrorism in the cyber world.
Phil Miley, head of solutions design centre UK at Cassidian, explained that in the past, officers used a traditional 2D map. This provided a limited picture of the location and whereabouts of the officers involved in an operation.
'With 3D mapping we can provide the force with a graphical view of the location of their officers that is more accurate than ever before,' he said. 'This means that if there is an incident that requires back-up or support, they can determine exactly who is closest – enabling them to respond in a more coordinated and strategic way.'
Cassidian has considerable experience working with the police and other 'blue light' services on cutting edge technology solutions designed to improve operational effectiveness and maximise resources.
Superintendent Nigel Russell who headed up the Ryder Cup police operation commented: 'One of the crucial issues for police commanders is knowing where their officers are at any one time. When you are on a large open area, like the 2010 course at the Celtic Manor, it is doubly difficult for the people on the ground to let you know where they are.
'The system we used during the Ryder Cup allowed the Silver commander to see at a glance where their resources were. It was also able to differentiate between roles, i.e. officers with body worn cameras, player escorts, those with VIPs, etc, so we could send the most appropriate officer to any incidents.
'The system also meant the radio traffic associated with deploying large numbers of officers was kept to a minimum.'
