Willimantic, CT - The Willimantic police department has installed a single NexGen computer system that replaces several manual record keeping procedures and is helping further strengthen its public safety outreach.

Gains New Investigative Tool

"A major benefit of this system is that the 35 members of our department are all trained on the new software, and they find it easy to use, maximizing its capability as an investigative tool. Any officer can conduct a search with a few keystrokes," explains Detective James Riddell, system administrator. "The system instantly provides reams of information on traffic infractions, stolen vehicles, the addresses of arrestees, background checks, outstanding warrants, on-screen mug shots and the other details of criminal behavior. We also electronically send the City's police data to the state's computers and to the FBI, time consuming functions that were done manually." The new system was supplied by NexGen Solutions, of East Haven, CT, a company that specializes in law enforcement technology.

Proactive In Acquiring Latest Law Enforcement Technology

Police Department Chief Milton King said the computer automation "clearly boosts our officers' ability to improve the public safety needs of Willimantic in the new millennium. We were proactive in taking these steps to acquire the latest in law enforcement technology. In fact, several area departments have asked to take a look at our new capabilities."

The new system also controls the City's Computer Aided Dispatch activities, and, soon, may handle personnel, payroll and duty scheduling activities. Riddell said the contract for the new system went to bid last Fall, and five companies submitted bids.