Mobile Data Terminals

Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) are also commonly funded under the MORE program. An MOT is a "dumb" computer terminal mounted in a vehicle that is linked via radio to a mainframe processor. MDTs have limited functionality in that they do not have processing capabilities and are generally used for querying databases that are housed in a centralized mainframe. Some MDTs create time savings as officers are able to complete reports on a terminal that were previously handwritten, but more often than not, MDTs are generally restricted to search functions due to the technical limitations of the units in the field. However, they continue to be used for law enforcement purposes because they are less costly than laptops/MDCs, enhance officer safety, and create efficiency by way of tag/license checks and automated call dispatching.