[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] U.S. police departments are using the SamsungElectronics(005930) Galaxy smartphone as a “command center in the palm of their hand.” This allows them to view real-time footage from drones, helicopters, and body cameras at the scene, while also accessing dispatch information and maps—all on a single screen.

According to the information technology (IT) industry on the 29th, SamsungElectronics’ U.S. subsidiary recently unveiled case studies on the use of Galaxy devices by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department in Washington State. The two agencies have issued 275 Samsung mobile devices to patrol, command, and investigative personnel to connect their Real-Time Crime Response Centers (RTCCs) with the field.

The RTCC is a system that aggregates various on-scene data—including reports, dispatch information, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and drone footage—to support police responses. Whereas previously information gathered in the command center was relayed to officers in the field via radio, officers can now access relevant information directly from the field using Galaxy devices.

Police officers use Galaxy devices to view real-time footage from drones and helicopters, as well as body camera footage, 911 call information, dispatch orders (CAD), maps, and investigative data. Commanders can monitor body camera footage from officers on the scene in real time and view footage transmitted by bomb disposal robots and indoor drones.

The “Android-based Team Situational Awareness Tool (ATAK),” used by the U.S. military and public safety agencies, is also operated on the Galaxy. ATAK is an app that displays the locations of personnel and equipment, as well as mission information, on a map, helping multiple personnel share the same situational information.

Satellite communications have also been integrated to accommodate areas with poor cellular coverage. SamsungElectronics and the U.S. carrier T-Mobile have linked the Galaxy with “T-Priority” and “T-Satellite.” This is designed to maintain connectivity for field personnel even in mountainous or rural areas, or in situations where ground communication networks are unstable—such as during wildfires.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office RTCC supported responses to 2,654 incidents last year. It was also involved in 325 arrests and the recovery of 92 stolen vehicles.

SamsungElectronics has been steadily expanding the use of Galaxy devices in the U.S. law enforcement market. In 2024, some police departments used the Galaxy Z Flip as a body camera, and last year, it was reported that the company supplied approximately 10,000 Galaxy S-series devices to the Chicago Police Department.

SamsungElectronics is targeting the U.S. corporate, government, and public sector markets with its mobile security platform, “Knox.” Competition in smartphone sales appears to be expanding beyond the consumer market into specialized B2B markets such as law enforcement, emergency response, and defense.

Dave Ellis, Chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department, said, “By adopting mobile devices, we’ve been able to put all the information previously available at the real-time crime response center right into the hands of our officers.”