Dalzell police get mobile data computer

DALZELL — The Dalzell Police Department is one of 56 law enforcement agencies around the state to receive mobile data computers as part of the state’s continuing efforts to bolster homeland security and disaster preparedness efforts.

On Dec. 8, the state announced the 56 police and sheriffs’ departments would receive 138 mobile data computers to enable officers in the field to access information through the Illinois Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting System and Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

“Having quick access to things like digital photos, maps and other sources of information not only can help law enforcement officers do their jobs more efficiently, it also can provide a measure of protection for those officers,” said Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The Dalzell Police Department’s officer in charge, Mark Manicki, said he received his computer at the beginning of this month. Manicki said he was glad to have the computer to give him access to run license plants and not inundate the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department, which previously had to do the job for him.

“It makes it easier for them as well as making my job easier,” Manicki said.

Manicki said he wrote a grant proposal for the computer and was told his request was given the highest priority, as the Dalzell Police Department was one of the few in the state who didn’t have the ability to access the information.

The state began providing mobile data computers to local law enforcement agencies in 2004, and more than 900 mobile data computers have been distributed at a total cost of $6.4 million.

The equipment purchase totaled $870,918 and was funded by the Illinois Terrorism Task Force through the state’s homeland security grant. Each mobile data computer is valued at $6,300.

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