GateHouse News Service
HANOVER, Mass. — A Hanover company has created a device that makes the often risky process of pulling over drivers a little safer for police officers. The Scan & See, a new handheld device developed by DataFetch, allows officers to scan a driver’s license at the driver’s window, speeding up the traffic stop.
The product took about nine months to develop – a process that included focus groups with police officers around the country and manufacturing by Micron Corp. of Norwood.
A traditional police procedure for traffic stops is to enter license information into a computer on a police cruiser dashboard after collecting the data from the driver.
When an officer leaves the driver’s-side window to walk back to the cruiser, the officer is vulnerable to oncoming traffic, or the driver could have an opportunity to flee, Butler said.
“Police hate the ‘walk-back’ because it’s when they are most vulnerable,” Butler said.
The Scan & See can also be used by police officers investigating underage drinking at parties, and DataFetch has already had interest from bar owners, Butler said.
Read full story: Hanover company’s device could be a big help for police officers
Find out more: Visit DataFetch online