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Virtual Tools Keep Gasparilla Safe

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By NATALIE SHEPHERD

nshepherd@wfla.com

Published: February 7, 2009

Updated:

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

One program, the Risk Analysis Center produced by Digital Sand Box, keeps track of locations in the community such as schools, power plants and hotels, which could 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.

The other program - the "Microsoft Surface" 3-D table map - helps police respond to incidents 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.

"We have a real-time, situational awareness of assets on the ground," police Maj. John Bennett said. "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 among 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.

News Channel 8 reporter Natalie Shepherd can be reached at (813) 225-2703.

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