Virtual Command Technology (VCT) can be of enormous significance to the future security of people and property. Given that time is crucial in a fire or security incident the use of virtual command technology enables fire and police responders to reach the fire or intrusion emergency with their incident planning and preparation in progress which enabled units to take action immediately upon arrival at the scene.

NetTalon's virtual command technology gives firefighters and police officers a virtual presence within an affected building. Within seconds of the alert they can understand a developing emergency and react to it, as opposed to conventional response technology where many minutes may pass and the responders still have no real information to rely on.

In this concept of emergency management, a facility equipped with security and fire sensors is integrated directly to police and fire department dispatch and operations centers. Every responding entity receives notification at once, eliminating time-consuming rerouting.

Emergency notification reaches the fire or police responders directly, and in seconds they can view the inside of the building, virtually "looking at" the emergency. The alarm control panel in the building has a database containing all floor plans with icons representing sensors. In a fire emergency, sensor conditions are updated every second by changing their color, from "not in alarm" green to "early warning" orange and "alarm" red. The change of color shows the observer the nature of the developing emergency. Similarly in a security emergency, sensor conditions are updated every second by icons changing their color allowing monitoring personnel to track movement through the facility.

Video is integrated into the system where it's critical to identify an intruder or validate the presence of a victim in a refuge room.

The inbound fire apparatus and police cruisers access the same information en-route, so they can see the incident and complete preliminary incident planning as they drive to the building. By the time they arrive at the building everyone has an assignment and incident mitigation begins immediately.

The follow web papes describe how this technology was field tested in Baton Rouge, LA. These test were only possible because of the assistance and cooperation of both the State of Louisiana and the City of Baton Rouge. NetTalon thanks all the officials responsible for their assistance.