Lattin demonstrates mobile terminal

KINGSTON – Most police agencies in Ulster County are now part of the Sheriff’s Department’s mobile communications system, which allows them to communicate with each other and a dispatcher in real time, instead of individually through a dispatcher.

Federal and state Homeland Security funding helped pay for the program.

“As the URGENT drug and gang task force has proven itself, it has shown how law enforcement agencies can multiply their effectiveness when they share resources,” said Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum. “The mobile Data System spreads that concept to police communications. The end result is greater safety overall, for the force and for the police.”

Police cars have wireless computer terminals installed allowing them to secure valuable information through instant messaging and announcement windows and they are able to run DMV, “wanted” information and check local records.

Officers have access to all agency date bases to check on suspects and if they have had contact with other agencies in the past.

The sheriff’s office switched to a mobile data system in 2001 and gradually local police agencies joined the network, which is coordinated by Deputy Tom Lattin.

Among the agencies participating are police in the towns of Saugerties, Ulster, Shandaken, Olive, Woodstock, Rosendale, New Paltz, Lloyd, Marlborough and Plattekill; the Village of Ellenville; the vehicles of the Ulster County departments of Probation and Social Services; City of Kingston Police and SUNY New Paltz Police.

Village of Saugerties Police and Department of Environmental Protection Police are expected to join as soon as more grants are established.

The sheriff’s office also earns revenue from police agencies outside Ulster County that want to join the network to enjoy the benefits of DMV and emergency communications in their cars separate from the Ulster County network.