Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) and Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) have announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) has selected FMS Iridium-based vehicle tracking and mobile resource management systems for deployment under a major initiative to optimize efficiency.

The FMS tracking equipment and hosted web software will improve asset readiness, enhance mission effectiveness, reduce fleet costs and coordinate compliance with Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR). DRO is installing in its vehicles a GPS tracking device, which transmits position, direction and speed and other telematic data for user-specified events and reporting. Data is sent through the Iridium satellite network to the FMS Fleet Central Web server, permitting dispatch centers to closely monitor the vehicles’ location, movements and status. As part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DRO operates more than 4,000 specialty law enforcement and administrative vehicles. Accurate and timely accountability of fleet assets is critical to mission success. With the annual cost of fuel and maintenance for the fleet at more than $30 million, it is an important area of efficiency improvement for DHS. DRO promotes public safety and national security by ensuring the departure of all removable aliens from the U.S. through the fair and effective enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws. During recent budget testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano identified 16 efficiency initiatives, which included electronic fleet-tracking tools to optimize fleet management and to heighten vigilance over fraud, waste or abuse. FMS vehicle tracking systems also integrate well with existing enterprise applications currently in use by DRO. FMS Web services enhance real-time situational awareness, and permit more effective execution of missions in the field.