Apple’s CarPlay is being used for an unusual purpose, with Motorola Solutions and Western Australian Police creating an app for law enforcement that takes advantage of in-car displays. CarPlay is typically used by apps for things like audio playback management and displaying navigation maps, but not usually for work-related tasks. In a new mobile app made by Motorola Solutions and Western Australia Police, Apple’s in-car platform is being used to help police officers do their jobs.
OneForce Core is the PSCore public safety mobile app based on Motorola Solutions, a mission management app designed for essential services such as the police. Motorola announced Friday that OneForce Core’s CarPlay integration reduces the need for officers to turn on their iPhones or iPad in the car.
Instead, the app displays basic information on the car’s built-in display that officers may need while driving, such as the location of events they may need to attend. By using CarPlay, the app provides enough detail for officers as they drive without overwhelming them with other distracting information and without turning on additional devices.
While driving, officers can still interact with the app via CarPlay, either by touching the screen or utilizing Siri’s verbal commands.
PSCore has already been used to help WA Police transition to digitally managing traffic notices, and the addition of CarPlay expands the app to further assist more than 5000 frontline officers.
WA Police Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch said: “When officers respond to incidents, they need accurate and relevant information to inform their decisions and keep themselves and community members safe. Since the deployment of OneForce Core, our officers have Gotten a better understanding of key information no matter where you are.