HIGHFILL -- The council, at its Jan. 13 meeting, voted to purchase new video cameras for the city's patrol cars to provide its officers with the means to better serve the citizens of Highfill.
With the help of Battles IT Consulting, the Highfill Police Department put into service a new camera system which was installed in each of the city's four patrol units. The camera systems provide audio and video recordings of traffic stops and any incidents which might occur during a normal patrol shift, according to a press statement issued by Highfill's chief of police, Blake Webb.
The camera systems will have live-view capability, the release states, allowing a supervisor to remotely monitor incidents when deemed necessary. The system also incorporates a body-worn camera in addition to the in-car cameras. The body-cam portion will be used on a trial basis initially and will be fully integrated once policies and procedures are finalized, according to the release.
"This camera system was purchased, because our previous systems were outdated and have been out of service for quite some time," Webb said.
"In addition, we will be able to progress as one of the only departments in the area to be using eCite software. This software was developed by the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety and has been provided for free to our department by the Arkansas State Police. This software will enable the department to issue electronic citations and contact forms as well as provide a database for officers to query information on suspects via ACIC (Arkansas Crime Information Center). This software also provides better access to our court system and our citizens, which will allow for a smoother, more convenient judicial process once a citation has been issued, as well as improve officer safety."
The department will also add a mobile data information system provided by Southern Software, a system already in use by the Benton County Sheriff's Office. This system includes a mobile version of the Benton County Office of Communications computer-aided dispatch system which will provide GPS tracking of units for mapping, live chat between other units and dispatch for off-radio secure communication, as well as call-for-service locations and details that can be viewed by responding officers, the release said.
The new equipment will provide Highfill officers with some of the most advanced equipment and software available, the release said, and will provide a much needed level of accountability and increased officer safety during operations.
The camera systems and all the listed software and equipment was purchased and installed for less than $20,000, well under projected costs, the release stated. This was due to extensive research and planning by Battles IT Consulting, Webb added.
Other Business
In other business, the city council tabled an ordinance to approve financing for a truck being purchased by the city street department until paperwork could be prepared. In December, the council approved purchasing a Chevrolet 3/4 ton crew cab for the department and the truck has been ordered.
Councilman Toby Lester asked that street supervisor Vernon Reams contact the Benton County judge to see if the county could help upgrade the roads leading to Horses for Healing. Even though outside the city limits of Highfill, Lester said he felt the city should make it a priority to get the roads paved to the organization.
General News on 02/04/2015