New equipment lets Headland PD go wireless

The Headland Police Department has received new equipment to update its computer systems and other technological devices inside the department and the patrol cars.

The department received a $25,000 grant through the Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development Council. The department also received a grant for $93,530 through the Department of Justice. With the total amount of funds being used, the department is going wireless.

“Consoles are being placed, and desktop computers as well as laptop computers are being purchased,” said Chief Mark Jones of the Headland Police Department. “We will be installing the data terminals this week in the patrol cars. This will be a huge benefit to our department as well as our citizens.”

With the Headland Police Department going wireless, this will eliminate officers having to return to the station to write up information regarding traffic stops. In return this will allow officers to remain on patrol.

“This system will allow officers to swipe the driver’s license, check information and will automatically print out a ticket for the violation as well as download the information to the Henry County Court House,” Jones said. “Another large plus to this system is eliminating false information being given. All information entered into the terminals will be verified at that time.”

The department is also installing video and audio cameras into the vehicles.

“The camera is located in the rear-view mirror,” Jones said. “Once an officer receives the information, the cameras can be activated from inside the patrol car, wireless mic, or it is also activated by turning on the blue lights of the patrol car. Once activated, the system will record the previous 60 seconds as well. The camera is constantly recording. However, once activated, it will also retrieve the first 60 seconds before the camera is turned on.”

The information recorded by audio or visual is admissible in court. The cameras were purchased to help not only protect the officers by recording dangerous situations, it will also protect residents who believe the officer did not handle the situation in the correct law enforcement manner. If so, the evidence will be retrieved by the chief of police and investigated. Officers do not have access to remove or delete anything from the recording.

“The officer also benefits from this system if involved in an accident,” Jones said. “If the officer is involved in an accident, the recording automatically kicks on and retrieves the prior 60 seconds to identify exactly what might have caused the accident. Also, the cars are equipped with GPS systems. This will be very beneficial if a dangerous situation arises and the officer needs backup. The other patrol units will be aware of the exact location of the officer that needs help.

“Also, information typed in by dispatch will be available to all officers all duty. This is very beneficial to our department, if nothing else, for safety reasons.

“I am extremely grateful we have received this equipment. With this equipment in place, we are definitely up-to-date with technology. This allows us to serve or residents just as other departments do with this equipment.”