NYPD is getting equipped with over 40,000 mobile devices
A strategic announcement was made today by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. in which an initiative was put forward which is expected to revolutionize the way in which the NYPD performs its duties. The criminal asset forfeiture funds which have been secured by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office through recent sanctions cases will be used for this $160 million NYPD Mobility Initiative which is ultimately going to enhance the services of the NYPD. This initiative is going to provide the officers of the NYPD with more facilities in order to perform their duties more effectively. These include up to 41,000 mobile devices, including tablet computers and handheld devices that will streamline law enforcement efforts, increase the safety of New Yorkers as well as police officers, and ensure fairness within the City’s criminal justice system.
While talking about the initiative, which is in the best interests of the state, Mayor Bill de Blasio said “We must have 21st Century tools to deal with 21st Century threats, and this infusion of new resources will arm our officers with the technology and information they need to fight crime and protect the City against terrorism more efficiently and more effectively. In an emergency, every minute counts, and this initiative will allow our officers in the field to get up-to-date, accurate information and process critical information anywhere in the city. I am thankful for the Manhattan District Attorney for being such a great partner to the City, and for his efforts to secure this much-needed investment that will benefit all New Yorkers for years to come.” Police Commissioner William J. Bratton was of the view that “This technology funding will significantly help to advance the NYPD’s move into 21st Century policing. The timely access to critical information is key to effective policing and enhanced public safety.
This initiative will clearly result in more efficient crime-fighting, counter-terrorism measures, and service to the people of New York City. I want to thank New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance for his invaluable support in furthering this important technological advancement.” This investment is going to help the police department of the state in numerous ways and once put to practice in all its entirety, this initiative is going to offer better case support for detectives, providing features including real-time 911 data, enhanced database access for patrol staff, quick entry points to info like Amber Alerts and email accounts for every officer. This new project being called the Mobility Initiative is going to be fully funded over the next three years.
“This significant investment will immeasurably enhance law enforcement and the criminal justice system, not only in Manhattan, but throughout the City. By allocating funds secured as a result of criminal misconduct back into our communities, we are placing real-time data in the hands of every police officer. Whether preventing everyday street crime or a potential act of terrorism, this will enable officers to better protect New Yorkers, while at the same time creating a fairer criminal justice system. I would like to thank the Mayor and Commissioner Bratton for their partnership in this important initiative and their commitment to the future of New York City,” said District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.
This new update to NYPD technology will make our police more efficient and our city safer. http://t.co/55krbFiuAo pic.twitter.com/QH6Ek4quUa— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 23, 2014
