BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
March 9, 2005
In cooperation with the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission, Johnston County Communications, and Johnston County Technology Services, the Benson Police Department would like to announce the arrival and implementation of Mobile Data Terminals by our department.
On Monday, March 7th, a total of fourteen (14) Mobile Data Terminals, or MDTs, were put into service. All Patrol Officers, Administrators, and Investigators now have a laptop computer in their assigned vehicle, which they can use to receive information from Johnston County Communications, regarding calls for service, conditions affecting officer safety, or maps of the area, among other things. Officers can also search an inter-agency information database, and obtain photographs of suspects, their address, and their local criminal history. The MDTs are also used to inquire and receive information from NC DMV regarding license plates and driver's licenses, and to inquire and receive information from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) regarding stolen property, persons with active warrants, and hazardous materials, among others items.
The MDTs were purchased using a $20000 grant furnished by the NC Governor's Crime Commission in 2004. The GCC awarded the Town of Benson $15000, and the Town contributed $5000. The MDTs, which are actually Gateway laptop computers, were configured by Johnston County Technology Services, who will continue to provide technical support.
Chief Kenneth Edwards would like to express his appreciation to Benson Town Manager Keith Langdon, and the Benson Board of Commissioners, who enthusiastically supported this project. "Without the support and backing of our Board and Administrators, none of this would have been possible," says Chief Edwards. Chief Edwards additionally said, "I would also like thank Johnston County Technology Services, who assisted our department from the very start, and continues to assist with and encourage our efforts to upgrade and update our technology." Lastly, the Chief would like to thank Johnston County Communications for their support and patience as this project developed, and was activated.
For more information regarding the Mobile Data Computers, please contact Lt. Greg Percy at 919-894-3616.