Penn. State Police get $14M computer upgrade
Pennsylvania State Police will undergo a $14 million communications upgrade through which 1,300 marked and unmarked vehicles will be equipped with leased mobile computers and automatic vehicle locators. The new computers will allow communications in 95% of the state, between vehicles as well as between vehicles and dispatch centers. The computers will be placed in the dashboard because some police departments have seen a 25% increase in traffic accidents when computers are set near the floor, taking officers’ eyes off the road.
Source: “Computers in Patrol Cars Put Data at Fingertips” by Debbie Garlicki; The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) January 1, 2001, Pg. B3
Cass County (IA) Sheriff sets up Web site
The Cass County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office has set up a Web site that offers overview information on the department, a most Wanted list, press releases and other public announcements. Residents can also read biographical sketches and see photographs of deputies and other department staff.
Source: “Sheriff's Office Joins The World Wide Web” by Veronica Rosman; Omaha (NE) World-Herald, January 8, 2001
Ark. Governor favors wireless information network
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is expected to propose spending $3 million to develop the Arkansas Wireless Information Network, a single system that can be shared by state emergency workers and law enforcement. A state working group proposed the new system because there are currently eight radio systems used by 12 state agencies, with no ability for the agencies to communicate with each other.
Source: “Official says Huckabee will propose emergency wireless network study” by Andy Davis; The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, January 10, 2001, Pg. B4
DNA databases helping to solve cold cases
Ever-growing DNA databases across the country are being used to solve more and more cold cases. There are at least 400,000 unsolved rapes nationwide with rape kits that may yet be compared against DNA databases. Last year, for instance, Virginia law enforcement agencies were able to close 150 long unsolved cases.
Source: “DNA Breakthroughs Turn Cold Cases Hot; Tests, Databases Help Solve Rapes Committed Years Ago” by Randi Glatzer; The New York Post, January 3, 2001
Laconia (NH) Police Web site seeks email tips
The Laconia (New Hampshire) Police Department now offers allows email tips to be reported anonymously through its Web site. The department also reports crimes and provides overview information on its operations and staff on the department home page.
Source: “Around the towns: Police invite Internet tips;” The Union Leader (Manchester NH) January 3, 2001, Pg. B1
Nebraska computer crime task force
An increase in computer crime cases—including identity theft, child pornography, and credit-card fraud—has lead Nebraska law enforcement agencies to join with federal agencies to form a Cyber-Crimes Task Force. Those who wish to contact the task force can reach it through the FBI’s http://www.ifccfbi.gov/ Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC). Local departments involved in the task force include the Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office , Bellevue Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff's Office , Lincoln Police Department , and the Nebraska State Patrol .
Source: “Computer Crackdown New Task Force to Take a Byte Out of Cybercrime Computer Crime Facts” by Nichole Aksamit, Deborah Alexander; Omaha (NE) World-Herald, January 5, 2001
