Laptops placed in city cruisers

Russellville residents can rest assured their law enforcement officers are well-trained and equipped with the newest technology they need to be even more efficient on the job.

According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, the RPD secured funds five years ago through Homeland Security to purchase laptop computers for each patrol car.

Hargett said these computers were very helpful and worked well until recent years when the technology began to progress.

“Because of all the new technology that is available, these laptops are crucial to the job these officers do,” Hargett said. “We do reports in the cars using electronic programs like eCitation and eCrash because the state doesn’t accept any of the written reports anymore.”

Hargett said when the older computers started to run slow because they couldn’t keep up with the technology, it put officers behind when they were trying to get their job done.

“It was starting to consume so much time just sitting and waiting on these computers to load the different programs, so we knew something needed to be done,” Hargett said. “We needed computers that were equipped to handle the technology and the demand.”

Recently, Hargett said the police department was able to receive additional Homeland Security money through the Emergency Management Agency that would allow for the purchase of new, upgraded laptop computers that the department will be able to use for the next several years.

“We have a new computer installed in each one of our patrol cars,” Hargett said. “Whereas before we would have to wait several minutes for one program to load, these computers have the programs pulled up almost instantaneously.

“People don’t understand how important time is in this profession, and without this grant, we wouldn’t have been able to get these new computers that help us do our job faster and more effectively.”

In addition to the computers, the RPD is also utilizing the Internet and social networking sites to keep the community in the loop when it comes to important information.

“We have had a website for several years that Lt. Mike Prince is constantly working on to make it better,” Hargett said. “As part of that, we are in the process of starting a Twitter account and a Facebook account so people in the community can follow us online.

“We’ll be able to post updates from our handheld phones that will go straight to the website so that we can keep the community informed of pertinent information.”

Hargett said utilizing this kind of technology will be important in weather situations like the recent snow that has swept through the area.

Officers can post updates about road conditions, traffic accidents, and can inform citizens about recent crime sprees, missing persons or suspects the RPD might need help locating.

Residents can also find information about the city’s most wanted, full profiles on local sex offenders, and a crime tip submission form on the website.

“To be the most efficient at what we do, it’s important to keep up with the newest software, technology and equipment,” Hargett said. “By continuously evolving, we will only be able to get better and better at serving the community.”

Residents can check out the new changes, useful information and receive official updates at www.russellvillepd.com.