Elgin police get high-tech upgrade

The Elgin Police Department will spend nearly $1.5 million on a new computer and records system that will make patrol officers more efficient, as well as make it easier for residents to get information or file police reports for minor offenses.

"We've measured multiple times and we're going to cut once," said Police Chief Jeffrey Swoboda. "We've taken our time to get it right because it's a lot of money and will be with us for years to come."

The city's share of casino profits will fund the new system from the Troy, Mich.-based New World Systems.

Under the current pen-and-paper system in place, an officer who responds to an accident or incident must drive back to the station to file the report.

With the new software, filling out a report can be done in the squad car and the report sent to a supervisor electronically, saving travel time.

Also, the department will create its own database of criminals and suspects so that information, including a booking photo, can be accessed on a squad car computer. A unified system will eliminate the need for officers to input the same information about an arrestee over and over again.

"Officers will be able to stay in the neighborhoods more," Swoboda said. "This is one step and one way we can utilize our officer's time more efficiently."

Residents also will be able to access police reports through the website crimereports.com and file reports for minor crimes such as property damage online or at a kiosk at the police department.

Swoboda said parts of the new system will be up and running in a few months and the entire upgrade will done by next spring.

Swoboda is scheduled to make a presentation to the city council tonight with final approval expected on June 23.