Means and method of providing information to a law enforcement officer regarding a stopped vehicle

• US 7,193,532 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2005
• Issued: 03/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael T. Goldstein
• Original Assignee: Michael T. Goldstein
• Inventors: Goldstein, Michael T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu; Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): BLOUNT, ERIC
• Application Number:
  US11/118,195
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 340/999
• US Class Current: 340/999
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/017 identifying vehicles G08G1/015, G08G1/054 take precedence

Abstract

A law enforcement officer involved in a traffic stop is provided with a compact disc containing data and a software program which permits the officer to obtain information regarding possible hiding places in a vehicle that has been stopped. The information involves locations as well as methods and instructions for accessing the hiding places. The information is available in a central data base that can be accessed by a computer in the officer'"'"'s car and can be updated as needed by manufacturers as well as other officers.

Claims

1. A method of assisting a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop comprising:

a) storing data regarding each of a plurality of land vehicles, the data including

(1) locations of potential hiding places for illegal items,

(2) a method of accessing each hiding place, and

(3) tools required to access each hiding place;

b) updating the stored data on a periodic basis;

c) providing a means for accessing the stored data from a law enforcement vehicle; and

d) inputting a personal code and a login password to access the data from the vehicle where upon a traffic stop is made, the law enforcement officer accesses the data to locate potential hiding places.

2. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of storing data includes storing pictures of each location.

3. The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of storing data further includes storing each picture in a manner that will permit display and rotation of the display.

4. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of storing data includes storing a description of the physical characteristics of each location.

5. The method as described in claim 1 further including a step of permitting communication between the law enforcement vehicle and other law enforcement entities.

6. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of updating the stored data includes receiving data from car manufacturers.

7. The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of storing data further includes storing the data on a compact disc.