North : BREA : Computer Systems Will Be Upgraded

More elaborate and sophisticated computer terminals are being installed in the city’s police and fire vehicles to improve safety and communication.

The new computer system is expected to be in full operation by next month, said Brea Assistant City Manager Tim O’Donnell. The new computers will be bought with funds from Proposition 172. The statewide measure, approved by California voters in 1993, authorizes a half-cent sales tax hike to augment public safety services.

Brea has received about $330,000 in Proposition 172 money, of which $262,000 has been set aside for the new computers. The current computers are 8 years old and not compatible with technology that will be used nationwide by law enforcement agencies by the year 2000.

A major advantage of the new system, O’Donnell said, is increased safety for police officers in the field. The mobile terminals will give officers direct access to a statewide law enforcement database.

“This way the license plate number can be punched in and information comes back in about 20 seconds,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a big safety improvement for officers.”

The new computers are also expected to increase the police department’s efficiency by allowing officers to electronically file reports from the field. Currently, reports have to be filed at the station.

The city will also use Proposition 172 funds to:

* Purchase radio headsets for firefighters.

* Train public safety dispatchers to give lifesaving information to 911 callers.

* Retrofit two fire engines so they can pump foam as well as water.

* Purchase a digital camera that will allow the Police Department to link up with a countywide mug shot database.

The public safety expenditures were unanimously approved this month by the City Council.