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Washington, D.C. - Congressman David Wu announced today the Astoria Police Department has been awarded a $197,329 federal grant to purchase mobile data computers for patrol cars. The purchase means Astoria and Warrenton police officers will now use a common computer aided dispatching system and records system.
"This grant will help law enforcement better protect the communities of Oregon's North Coast," stated Congressman Wu. "We are one more step closer to the day when Clatsop County law enforcement agencies will share information seamlessly across the same system."
The enhanced connectivity and interoperability between the two police departments will provide police officers with secure access to critical law enforcement information and translate into increased safety and security for coastal residents and visitors. Ultimately, Clatsop County officials aim to create a county-wide public safety data communications and records system. The system is specifically designed so that other Clatsop County public safety agencies can easily join the system.
"Without the assistance of Congressman David Wu, we would not have received this grant and the life-saving technology it provides would not be available to Astoria and Clatsop County residents and visitors," said Astoria Police Chief Rob Deu Pree. "We very much appreciate Congressman Wu for giving us this incredible opportunity to better protect our citizens."
Previously, the Astoria Police Department used a non-secure radio communications system. The use of mobile computers provides a secure communications system and allows access to a greater amount of information. Both systems will act as backups should one system fail.
The federal funds will also be used to upgrade computer technology to improve evidence handling and to purchase a mobile data computer for the Astoria Fire Department to give them access to a geographic information and mapping system, commonly known as GIS.
The grant was awarded through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, a division of the United States Department of Justice.
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