Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Carlson Robotic Total Stations (RTS) are constructed with ruggedness in mind. The total station is IP54-rated and the data collector is IP68-rated for dust and rain. This means that the instrument is capable of withstanding outdoor conditions that our Troopers are oftentimes faced with on crash and crime scenes. As examples, upon the initial purchase and training on our hardware in Meridian, the total stations were immediately put to the test in the extreme 105+ degree heat in the summer of 2016. Conversely, we have measured numerous scenes just in the last month in blinding snow, graupel, rain, and extreme cold. Most all other total stations are not capable of handling the extreme outdoor weather we face in Idaho. The ability to upgrade our hardware and software is essential to maintaining trouble free usage for years to come. All of our robotic total stations can be upgraded to include the new BRx7 GPS receivers which will further aid our Troopers in quick clearance goals while simultaneously limiting officer exposure on crash scenes. Third party hardware will be unable to support this level of upgrade without costly replacement of the total station equipment. Carlson RTS equipment would not need to be replaced when ISP chooses to upgrade with GPS receivers; we would simply purchase our GPS head and add it to our existing hardware with only slight upgrades to the software and modifications necessary. All of ISP Measuring Technicians are currently using the Carlson CSI Mobile field data collection software. This software, combined with the Carlson total station products, ensures a smooth connection between the hardware and software. While the Carlson software will support most third party total stations, it is not guaranteed that the software will be able to run on all instruments. Therefore, uniformity in the issued software and hardware is critical from a management and training perspective is critical from a management and training perspective. Though short term savings might be realized with a different purchase, it would not be cost effective long term to have a mix of gear across the agency, especially when the inevitable updating of software or repairs of hardware is experienced, or when a new Trooper has to cross train on numerous software/hardware. Additionally, and critically, CSI Mobile was designed by law enforcement for law enforcement. It has a very easy to use interface and an oversimplification of complex mapping tasks. To be more clear, though we are using survey-grade software and hardware in ISP, our personnel are forensic mappers and not professional surveyors. We have previously experienced the difficulty of using other survey systems which are difficult to navigate, timely to set up, etc. To be blunt, professional surveyors don't face the same challenges of our Troopers in having to quickly map scenes, perform these tasks on an "as-needed basis" (and not full time), navigate traffic, or have quick clearance in mind. With some Troopers using their gear infrequently, it is essential that they be able to deploy it quickly, navigate the software with ease, and produce a reliable and quality work product meeting forensic mapping standards in the criminal justice field. Both the Carlson RTS and CSI Mobile software allow all of this which makes it a must have for law enforcement and our ISP Crash personnel. ISP has experienced unprecedented technical support from Carlson. They initially used law enforcement specialists as part of their team that designed and created CSI Mobile and have retained a 25+ year law enforcement collision reconstructionist on their team to assist law enforcement if/when trouble arises with the gear. This level of training and tech support, which is not offered on other instruments or software, is available 24- 7. Since our initial purchases in 2016, numerous Troopers in ISP have been "rescued" on scenes by simply dialing a Carlson tech who walked them through their equipment or software issues. Finally, any hardware support or repairs that would be needed to any Carlson RTS is handled directly with Carlson. They manage all the warranties on any of our equipment to ensure any repairs, should they ever be needed, are processed quickly. We have experienced that Carlson thrives on its client support and is an industry leader in providing the utmost response to all of their users requests or needs.
