LOUISVILLE (February 4, 2008) – Congressman John Yarmuth today presented a $492,000 check to Mayor Jerry Abramson and LMPD Chief Robert White – federal funding Yarmuth secured to purchase new in-car computers for Louisville Metro Police.  The money will buy approximately 55 mobile data terminals (MDT’s) and accessories such as printers and docking stations. 
“As Louisville continues to grow and thrive, the challenge of keeping the community safe increases.  We are fortunate that our leadership and police department are absolutely committed to keeping our streets free from crime,” Yarmuth said.  “This funding will help law enforcement communicate more effectively, stay a step ahead of criminals, and ensure that our city remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Mayor Jerry Abramson and LMPD Chief Robert White applauded Yarmuth’s efforts. “Louisville has been named one of America’s safest large cities, and one reason is because we have the right technology to help our officers do their jobs effectively,” Abramson said.  “In-car computers help our officers get the information they need immediately.  We appreciate Congressman Yarmuth’s work in helping us maintain the best policing technology.”

LMPD has approximately 680 MDT’s.  The computers allow officers to scan drivers’ licenses, review dash-cam videos, retrieve maps, and communicate with dispatchers and commanding officers in real time.  Automated reports reduce time spent on paperwork, and some documents, such as traffic citations, can be transmitted to courts within minutes.

White showed the mayor and congressman how the MDT’s work in a police car before Yarmuth’s check presentation.  “Our officers work in a fast-paced environment,” White said.  “Time spent filling out documents and waiting on warrants checks is time that could be spent preventing crime.  MDT’s have drastically improved our officers’ efficiency, and we’re grateful for the funds to add more computers for more officers.”

The River City Fraternal Order of Police released a statement stating, “The MDT improves the productivity, efficiency and, most importantly, the safety of each and every officer.  The members of the River City Fraternal Order of Police would like to thank Congressman Yarmuth for securing funds that will be used to purchase 55 new mobile data terminals for our officers.”

LMPD administrators want to have 900 MDT’s outfitted in police vehicles.  The city has purchased software to optimize performance on some older models, including software that will allow wireless upgrades – meaning officers will no longer have to remove the laptops from their cars to get programming updates.  By the summer, officers plan to add software that will allow them to receive real-time crime data.