Police Technology
As modern law enforcement becomes more technical in nature, the Newport News Police Department continues to be a leader in the field. A new records management system (RMS) is being implemented to ensure that data gathered during the daily activities of the Department are accurately captured in a manner that will allow the development of useful information for all end users. This modern, integrated system will allow employees to easily share information about crimes and ongoing investigations throughout the Department, facilitating information exchange and case clearance.
All marked police patrol cars are equipped with first or second-generation Mobile Data Computers (MDC’s) which are instrumental in allowing officers to perform checks for drivers license and vehicle registration information, outstanding warrants and other pertinent data. These computers are equipped with emergency “hot button” capabilities for officer safety, as well as communication across the city between police vehicles. Ultimately, the Department hopes to issue Police academy students MDC laptops upon entering the academy, and for use throughout their careers.
The Police Department implemented the SECURES system in 2005 in Planning District 1. This advanced acoustic system identifies gun fire within a given city block, and instantaneously delivers the data to the Police emergency dispatchers via radio signal, allowing expedient and efficient deployment of officers to the area. The sensors are battery-operated and are designed to differentiate between gunshots and other sharp, sudden sounds, such as engine backfires and fireworks. This system allows timely response to scenes, resulting in the identification of suspects and witnesses who might not otherwise be identified without extensive man-hours and effort.
The Department has implemented the Law Enforcement Information Exchange (LinX) system, which is managed by the National Criminal Information System (NCIS), with the system server in Washington DC. This system is a superior analytical tool which is an invaluable aid to investigators who can check suspects’ information from multiple data warehouses, offering an unprecedented degree of information sharing between local, State and National law enforcement agencies.