New Tool To Track Arrests In Dade City
Florida’s Dade City Police Department implemented a digital booking system that consists of a digital camera for computerizing mugshots and a storage system to store digital images with computerized arrest reports.
The system allows officers to easily search the database for suspects or compile photo lineups, explains Captain David Duff.
The new system, used already by other area law enforcement, replaces 14-year-old camera technology. Duff explains that the system does not use film, which previously cost the department about $2,000 per year, plus it is faster, easier to use, and more effective.
The system was financed by a $22,907 federal law enforcement grant and $2,545 in matching funds from the department; the money also paid for a new desktop computer and seven replacement laptops for patrolling officers.
Duff says that if enough additional gear is deployed, officers could pull up reports and mugshots via their laptops while on patrol.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the St. Petersburg Times (FL) (01/04/03) P. 3; Grumet, Bridget Hall.
