Technology for police sought

By Cindy Sheets
Contributing Writer

Perkins Police Department is hoping to add some new tools to its cruiser fleet.

Officers are trying to raise funds that will allow them to purchase mobile computers and video cameras.

“Our number one priority is officer safety,” Sgt. Jason Galt, who is conducting the fundraising, said.

He notes these tools will “greatly contribute” to that officer safety.

Galt said cameras mounted inside patrol cars have been proven to deter incidence of occurrences such as false accusations and attempts to assault officers or resist arrest.

Video documentation can also assist officers in the conviction of offenders.

Video systems include mobile microphones that can record both the officer’s and suspect’s voice in or outside of the car. The system provides video of the area in front of the patrol car as well as the back seat of the car.

“Lots of agencies acquired video cameras in patrol cars during the 1980’s,” Galt noted.

Police also hope to purchase “Mobile-Cop” laptop computers systems for three of the patrol units.

“With Mobile-Cop, officers will be able to do tag checks without going through dispatch,” Galt said. This will speed up identification of vehicles. Galt said the Mobile-Cop system also provides state and FBI criminal records information.

While using Mobile- Cop, officers will be able to complete daily reports while still in their patrol cars, which enables them to spend more time on the streets.

Galt said the cost of in-car video systems start at approximately $4,000. That includes the video cameras and mobile microphones.

The cost to equip three patrol cars with the Mobile-Cop system is $11,550. That price reflects the purchase of the hardware and supporting software for the system.

Galt has been speaking with local businesses and organizations about the project.

“I know its hard economic times to provide these things,” he said. “We have to rely on our citizens to help fill in the gaps.

“Perkins is a wonderful community that supports the department,” Galt added.

“This community needs to demand the best police department possible. We in turn want to give that to them. Right now, we’re lacking the equipment to do it.”

The Perkins Police Department employs seven full-time officers and three reserve officers.

For more information, or if you’d like to make a donation toward the purchase of this equipment, contact Sgt. Galt at (405) 547-2445.

This is part of the February 4, 2010 online edition of The Journal.

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