WESTMINSTER : Mobile Command Post Bids Sought
The Police Department has begun efforts to purchase a van that would serve as a mobile police command post for the city.
Designed to make the police more accessible, the van will enhance the department’s “problem-oriented policing” program by targeting specific high-crime areas of the city, officials say. The program works with the residents and business owners to achieve long-term results in solving those problems, they said.
“When we to move into the problem-oriented target areas, we like to move in and set up shop in the midst of it,” Lt. Andrew Hall said. “Instead of officers in black-and-white police cars parking and walking around on foot, they can park and not have to leave. Instead of driving away from the problem, they can return to the van.”
The city last year allocated $75,000 from its Community Development Block Grant Fund for the van, which will be about the size of a UPS truck, Lt. Andrew Hall said. The department has asked various vendors to bid on the project and is waiting for responses. The vehicle will have a bathroom, radio, computer, table and workstations.
The department hopes to have the van on the street this summer.
The van will have work space for three or four officers, and a non-sworn officer will be inside at all times to offer information to the public.
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