UAPD improves technical support with grant

The University of Arizona Police Department will be upgrading its computer systems with a $101,700 equipment grant from the Justice Department.

One of the planned upgrades is installation of Mobile Display Terminals in university police patrol cars, said Lt. Brian Seastone, UAPD public information officer.

The MDT's will enable officers to send messages between squad cars, to office personnel, and to dispatch without transmitting over the radio, Seastone said.

The system, which is similar to e-mail, is more secure and efficient than using the radio because dispatch can send case numbers, victim information, and other important details to officers without using open airwaves, he said.

"It's all right there. It should save a lot of time," Seastone said.

UAPD is one of 11 Arizona law enforcement agencies to receive the more than $650,000 awarded to the state.

The grants are part of the Violent Crimes Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The program is designed to help increase the time available for community policing by current law enforcement officers rather than fund hiring of new officers.

Other Arizona agencies that received funding include:

City of Chandler: $160,339

Clarkdale Police Department: $136,223

Town of Gilbert: $105,750

Eloy Police Department: $16,425