Congressman Salazar fights for an improved public safety navigation and communication system for Durango

$300,000 will go to upgrade current critical response navigation and communication system

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured $300,000 in federal funding for the purchase and installation of a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software system and communication upgrades for the City of Durango Police Department. The funding was requested by Congressman Salazar and was included in the 2010 Appropriations Bill for the Departments of Commerce, Science and Justice. The bill has passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The appropriated funds will help the City of Durango purchase and install a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software system that interfaces with the in-car computers. This is a regional solution that allows for redundancies and provides interoperability for 10 local agencies. The funding will also go to purchase and install equipment and software needed to complete the installation of 900 MHz system that supports in-car wireless capabilities. 

On the funding for the mobile data system, Congressman Salazar offered the following statement:

“While rural communities like Durango may not experience the same number of crimes as larger cities, the nature and the impact of those crimes are no less serious. As such, Durango and the communities the Durango Police Department serves need to have state-of-the-art communications equipment. Hopefully, this funding will help them respond more quickly and communicate better as they continue to serve and protect the Durango community.”

On the funding, Durango Police Chief David Felice offered the following comment:

“The Durango Police department is very appreciative of the support we have received from Congressman Salazar for our appropriation request. The funding would increase the interoperability for Durango police officers with additional in-car laptops, radio, and cameras for the patrol cars.”