Grant to help upgrade police vehicles

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008 | midnight

The Henderson Police Department has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to upgrade the department's automated fingerprint system, the in-car video equipment for every patrol car and license recognition equipment for at least two vehicles.

However, the in-car video and license plate recognition system will be delayed, Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul said, because of additional costs associated with installation and other equipment.

But the upgrade to the city's Automated Fingerprint Identification System will move forward. The system, which identifies and matches fingerprints left at crime scenes, is outdated, Paul said. Its hardware and software are no longer supported.

In addition to having current hardware and software, the new system "has better imaging allowing for better matching of fingerprints," Paul said.

The department's fleet of about 190 patrol cars will remain without video equipment temporarily. When the equipment is installed, Paul said, the grant will cover the cost of the equipment for at least the 190 patrol cars and possibly other vehicles as well.

He underscored the need for such equipment.

"The in-car video will enhance officer safety and makes the department more accountable to the community," Paul said. "The in-car video will also be able to be used in evidence when the cameras capture events."

Paul said the license plate recognition equipment would be another useful tool for the department, assisting in locating stolen cars and cars used in crimes. However, only two vehicles would be equipped under the grant.

Paul said the department still hopes to utilize the funding to equip its cars at a later date as the grant award is available until 2011.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].