A field deployable data processing and communications device such as a portable personal digital assistant (PDA) device is configured and programmed for collecting local information such as environmental, chemical or biological data, images and voice messages, at the scene of an incident of a nature which requires intervention by public safety or law enforcement agencies. The PDA is deployed at the incident scene by first response personnel and provides a conduit for seamlessly conveying information collected by the PDA at the scene to remote facilities and agencies, which may be chosen for their ability to deal with and respond to situations of a particular nature, thereby reducing delays and improving efficiency of response to public safety and security incidents.