Computerworld details how Framingham patrol officers use technology these days. Interestingly, Framingham is trying to build a townwide WiFi system, not for residents, but for police:

... Framingham is in the process of implementing a townwide Wi-Fi mesh network so patrol cars can be online at all times. But for now, officers fill out reports and drive to a Wi-Fi hot spot to transmit their data via a virtual private network. Burman says the department uses radio frequency rather than cellular technology, to eliminate recurring monthly costs.

When online, all officers in patrol cars can see at a glance where all other cruisers are and what they're doing. Burman notes that this is extremely important for officer safety. ...

Ed. disclosure note: Hah, you thought you'd seen the last of these! But I work fulltime at Network World, which, like Computerworld, is published by IDG.