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Instant Replay: Police To Use Super Technology For Gasparilla

News Channel 8 photo by PETER MASA

To maintain security during the Gasparilla parade, Tampa Police are bringing out a 3D mapping technology they also used during the Super Bowl.

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By NATALIE SHEPHERD | News Channel 8

Published: February 6, 2009

TAMPA - The Tampa Police Department will be keeping a virtual eye on Saturday's Gasparilla Parade, using two mapping technologies that were also used by the department during Super Bowl 43.

One program, the Risk Analysis Center produced by Digital Sand Box, keeps track of valuable locations in the community, such as schools, power plants, and hotels, which might be targets for attack. It also gives commanders real-time access to 911 calls. Commanders can then quickly decide the best way to respond to a problem, and set evacuation and perimeter distances.

"Those real-time decisions can transpond to saving a life," Major John Bennett said.

The other program – the "Microsoft Surface" 3-D table map - helps police respond to whatever may happen along the parade route.

"Microsoft Surface" is a table map that looks a lot like a high-tech version of Google Earth. It shows officers a detailed map of streets, buildings and events, which makes it easier for commanders to deploy officers if need be.

"We have a real-time, situational awareness of assets on the ground," said Bennett. "Gasparilla is a large scale event that has national recognition and status. It's really grown."

Bennett wouldn't say how many law enforcement officers will be on the streets for Gasparilla, but he did say it's a combined effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

"We have a lot of boots on the ground," said Bennett. "Gasparilla requires more officers on the ground than the Super Bowl did."

The Super Bowl was the first time this technology has been used outside the military, Bennett said.

Natalie Shepherd can be reached at (813) 225-2703 or at nshepherd@wfla.com

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