OUR VIEW: Computers will aid law enforcement

Staff Report
Published: August 30, 2008

» SUMMARY: Local law enforcement being equipped with in-car computers will enable them time to do more “old- fashioned police work.”

Law enforcement officers have to make split-second decisions as they strive to make our community a safer place.

While it’s true these officers are equipped with things like radios, weapons and safety gear, most all who serve say that knowledge is their greatest asset.

Soon, area law enforcement officials will be armed with one of the most important sources of knowledge available as both the Culpeper Police Department and the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office will be outfitted with in-car computers.

The town will eventually have 17 in-car computers, while Sheriff Jim Branch’s department will put eight of the units in service over the next month or so.

Everything from Department of Motor Vehicles driving records and registration information, to pictures and information about wanted persons, criminal histories, and maps and driving directions will be at the fingertips of officers.

The declining price in technology is what helped make this move possible.

Even though some departments have used these kinds of computers for almost a decade, local agencies were able to make the move now for only about $300,000 which came from local funds, federal grants and donations.

In the past many hours that could have been spent in the community were taken away as officers had to return to headquarters to handle routine reports and do research on incidents that they encountered during patrol.

Now, many of those tasks can be completed in the car while the officers are in the community and visible.

It has been proven in study after study that high visibility equals less crime.

That is the bottom line here. These computers will enable officers to spend more time doing their job and less time in the office.

Congratulations to all those who worked to make these tools available to the people who serve our community.