BOSTON — For three days in mid-October thousands of police leaders gathered at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police conference to learn from subject matter experts, network with colleagues from around the world and research thousands of product solutions on display. Police1 spoke with Shane Ruiz, head of product marketing for Oracle Local Government, at the Oracle booth, where a Tesla Cybertruck was showcased as an advanced integrated patrol vehicle platform aimed at transforming incident management and improving situational awareness for law enforcement agencies. Oracle will prominently feature the technologies at the Mobile World Congress scheduled for March 2025.
Why it matters: A unified command platform
At the IACP conference, Oracle showcased its integrated technology platform (Oracle Public Safety Suite) using a Tesla Cybertruck outfitted with state-of-the-art features. The standout capability of the Cybertruck? It harnesses the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) interfaces and cameras, transforming stock components into mission-critical tools for law enforcement. This reduces the need for additional cameras — cabin cameras become prisoner cameras, and OEM exterior cameras integrate seamlessly with Oracle’s incident command software.
However, the software is vehicle-agnostic, working equally well with Ford, Dodge, or Chevy patrol vehicles.
Key features: A deep dive
Incident command and CAD integration
Oracle’s software provides a real-time command and control dashboard, enabling agencies to:
- Track officer locations and resources in real-time.
- Assign units, including drones, to specific incidents directly from the vehicle interface.
- Stream live video from vehicle cameras, drones and body-worn devices to command centers.
“What this allows us to do is see all the locations of incidents happening around the community and which officers have responded to those,” explained Ruiz. “If we need to deploy a drone or alert another officer, we can do it directly through the interface, making response times faster and more efficient.”
Drone deployment
Equipped with a rear-mounted drone system, the platform allows officers to deploy drones for search, rescue, or surveillance with minimal setup time.
“Most departments take minutes to deploy a drone — they have to take it out of a case, unfold it, and turn it on,” said Ruiz. “With our system, the drone is ready to go, fully charged, and can be launched in seconds.”
Reliable connectivity
- Starlink Satellite integration: Offers uninterrupted connectivity, even in remote areas.
- Dual SIM Cradlepoint system: Offers 5G fallback with FirstNet or Verizon, maintaining constant communication even in tunnels or parking structures.
“The beauty of our system is that if we lose satellite connectivity in a tunnel or parking structure, the vehicle automatically switches to 5G,” noted Ruiz. “This ensures officers are always connected, no matter where they are.”
Energy efficiency
To counteract the high energy demands of electric vehicles, Oracle added auxiliary lithium-ion batteries dedicated to powering lights, drones, and onboard electronics without depleting the vehicle’s primary battery.
“We’ve added two lithium-ion batteries up front that power all the electronic components,” explained Ruiz. “This helps ensure that the mileage of the vehicle isn’t impacted, even during static operations.”
Adaptability across use cases
The system is designed for diverse law enforcement needs, including:
- Patrol operations.
- SWAT and tactical response, featuring ballistic doors and tactical grab points.
- EMS scenarios, with integrated stretchers and medical kits for mass casualty incidents.
The future of command and control
Oracle’s patrol vehicle system offers a glimpse into the future of law enforcement technology. From seamless communication to autonomous drone capabilities, the solution provides agencies with tools to help enhance officer safety, improve response times, and deliver better outcomes for their communities.
While the Cybertruck serves as a showcase vehicle, Oracle’s software is designed to integrate with any fleet, making this innovation accessible to agencies of all sizes.
“The Cybertruck is a great marketing piece, but this technology works just as well in a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy,” emphasized Ruiz. “We’re not tied to a specific vehicle — we’re focused on providing a solution that’s flexible and adaptable for any department.”
A solution-driven approach
Oracle’s platform isn’t just about shiny new technology. By combining advanced tools with intuitive design, Oracle empowers officers to focus on their mission while maximizing the effectiveness of their resources.
“This is about saving lives and improving officer safety,” concluded Ruiz. “We’re providing the tools officers need to de-escalate situations and respond effectively, with the ultimate goal of protecting our communities.”
Watch the video to explore Oracle’s integrated patrol vehicle and body-worn computing system to see how real-time intelligence and connectivity are transforming public safety.
