County law enforcement wins federal grant

The Willits News

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office won a $2,067,129 grant for a new information sharing system from the US Department of Justice. This grant is part of the federal economic stimulus package.

The new software is expected to facilitate information sharing on all aspects of law enforcement including the jail, juvenile hall, probation, district attorney and the public and alternate defender's offices. It will also be made available to the Willits, Ukiah and Fort Bragg police departments as well.

The grant is designed to "foster the sharing of information between law enforcement agencies and ultimately enhance public safety," according to the DOJ grant award notification.

The existing computer system was installed in 1992 and is considered obsolete. The new system will included computer aided dispatch, mobile data terminals allowing field based reporting, records and jail management system. Selection and installation of a new system will likely take a year or more.

"I really want to thank Congressman Mike Thompson and his staff for coming through for us on this grant," says Sheriff Tom Allman. "It will allow all law enforcement agencies in the county, including the three city police departments and district attorney's office to share intelligence and crime information." "This should facilitate the transfer of evidence, reports and photographs between groups, including the public defenders office," says District Attorney Meredith Lintott. "It will also allow us to better monitor the number and types of cases being handled by the department."

"I voted for the Recovery Act in order to invest in our communities and put our country back on track," said Thompson. "Across our district, and right here in Mendocino County, the Recovery Act has provided important funding for worthwhile projects, and this grant for the sheriff's office is just the latest piece of good news the Recovery Act has delivered. I've worked closely with Sheriff Allman to identify funding sources and make sure our communities receive their fair share of stimulus money."