March 09, 2011

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NM agency gets new computers to curb border crime

The Panasonic Toughbook computers were purchased with federal funds and allocations for border security

By Kevin Buey
Deming Headlight

LUNA COUNTY, NM — Thirty vehicles of the Luna County Sheriff's Office are now equipped with computers that will enhance and expand communication capability.

The computers, which cost about $10,000 each, were purchased with federal funds through Operation Stonegarden and other allocations for border security. Operation Stonegarden is a project in which local agencies work with the U.S. Border Patrol on border-related crime.

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P1 Columnist Lindsey Bertomen reviewed the Toughbook 31, which he says is at the forefront of powerful portability.

A deputy running a wants-and-warrants check on an individual gets almost immediate response via the computer system, which not only connects the LCSO with Central Dispatch, but with almost every law enforcement agency in the state.

Deming Police have 34 units on order and will also be on the same circuit when units are installed.

Democratic U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall and then-U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., helped acquire the funding for the Panasonic Toughbook computers.

"They are not in every unit," Sheriff Raymond Cobos said of his department. "I don't have one. I prefer to give them to the guys out there on patrol."

LCSO Reserves Unit members don't have the nits wither, because as information available online is only accessible by sworn peace officers.

The computers allow several deputies to be on the same system simultaneously. When deputies talk via radio with Central Dispatch, only one person at a time can be on the system.

"You can put out a BOLO or an ATL (be on the lookout, attempt to locate) to the whole department and to other agencies (simultaneously)," Sheriff's Capt. Arturo Baeza said of computer capability.

"It automatically sends reports to the office as long as you have contact with Verizon," Sheriff Raymond Cobos said, noting there is no access in some areas, such as along State Road 9. "You can still do reports down there (SR 9) and can send them when access is available."

The computers allow deputies to do reports in the field instead of having to come to the office after each incident or do several at the end of shift.

"If you are wanted, it comes up in red," Said Sheriff's Investigator Allen Batts.

The department used the computers during a warrant sweep last month, with maps available on the system helping locate some addresses. Maps for the 48 contiguous states are part of the system.

The computers were received about a month ago and installed over the past few weeks.

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