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Aberdeen police make purchase of in-cruiser cameras
Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:00 AM EDT
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| Sgt. Shawn Newman of the Aberdeen Police Department explains how the newly purchased Alpha Cam 2000 in-car cameras will help to improve the department's ability to defend itself against litigation. -- Jeff Wendling/Staff |
Sgt. Shawn Newman helped spearhead the purchase of the equipment, which had been at the top of the wish list for the department.
"We've strived to get equipment that is up-to-date, and stay within the budget," said Newman. "The tapes will help cut down litigation and show the truth."
Newman said the technology will be an asset for any officer/citizen contact, citizen transport in a police car, and probable cause-related questions. Typical benefits of the cameras will be increased conviction rates, less time in court proceedings and litigation, increased officer awareness of their conduct, training situations and reinforcement, and overall easier understanding of any recorded situation, he said. The cameras will be turned on for all police calls.
The department purchased six systems for a total of $233. The systems are slightly used, however, if purchased new, they would have cost around $3,150 and refurbished cameras are $145 each, according to Damon Duenckel of Alpha Cam Systems. The newest version of the camera would have cost $3,995, Duenckel said.
The systems were purchased from Shively Police Department in Shively, Ky., through an auction Web site, www.govdeals.com. The Web site makes certain equipment available to city and public entities as well as equipment dealers.
"Since we're on a low budget, we took a chance," Newman said. "Our goal is to get the best quality equipment we can to improve the community and quality of life in Aberdeen."
Three of the six systems work and are ready to install in cruisers; the remaining three have dysfunctional screens. The next step will be to purchase body microphones to be used with the cameras. The microphones are normally $250 each and will be worn by officers.
Newman said he is currently trying to work out a deal to trade in the three camera systems that are in need of repair for three body microphones.
"I think this will not only help the police department but also help the village and the council," said Newman. "Audio and video doesn't lie."
The Alpha Cam 2000 system cameras are VHS with digital technology. Newman is currently installing one of the cameras in the newest police car before the cage is installed.
"I hope to have every camera in by the end of next month," Newman said.
Newman said this is another step toward efforts which have been under way for three years to update the department's equipment.
Within the past year, the department has also purchased thermal imaging cameras as part of the Homeland Security program through the military. The CEDE cameras required Newman to attend a one-week training for certification in Chicago. Newman said the camera has already been used to locate a missing child.
"We have had a lot of support. We're gaining back the community's trust," said Newman. "We've also had a lot of council support."
Newman said community members have noticed more police patrolling in residential areas. The department has updated all of the cruisers to 2005 models and has all new equipment for the cruisers. The department has a total of four cruisers which it tries to replace every two to three years.
The department has also signed up for a new program through the federal government to purchase a new vehicle for $5,000 less than market price. Newman said this was something the department is considering utilizing in the next year or two.
"We're constantly improving," he said.
The department also has all new digital cameras in vehicles from the Crime Watch program and has recently started a chaplain program.
More information about the Aberdeen Police Department can be found at its Web site, http://apd-oh.tripod.com/, which can also be reached through http://www.villageofaberdeen.com, the village's Web site.
"Our village administrator, Jeremy Germann has really helped us a lot. He's helped the village move so far ahead in just a year," said Newman.
Newman has been with the department since January 2006 and is originally from the Yellow Springs and Springfield, Ohio area.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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