New Laptops Set to Increase Productivity for Centerville Police

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Officers with the Centerville Police Department will see upgrades in their squad cars in the next few months.

12 hour shifts for Officer Paul Hollar are a grind. The 6 year veteran loves his job, especially with a brand new laptop, that he says makes the day go by a little smoother.

“The old laptops, in order to get a picture, if we request a picture from the local system it took 3 to 5 minutes sometimes. And in order to get a picture on this system before I can get my finger off the screen, it’s already showing me a picture,” Hollar said.

Right now, Hollar’s police cruiser is the only vehicle with the latest computer.

Centerville Police will get 9 more touch screen, durable, Panasonic laptops in their squad cars. It’s a major improvement from the old ones.

Tuesday night, members of city council approved about $45,000 of its budget for the computers.

Captain Roger Hayes says the upgrades couldn’t have come at a better time.

“They have served us very, very well, however as technology does, it’s kind of wore out its welcome,” Hayes said.

The latest technology will let officers read notes and get dispatch straight off of their computer.

Hayes says the system they use will constantly update, and that will keep officers prepared, increase their productivity, and keep them safe.

“The better thing for me is that it increases the safety of our officers, safety is paramount to the officers, for the public, and everyone,” Hayes said.

It’s an improvement in safety and efficiency all in an effort to protect citizens in Centerville.

Captain Hayes says he expects the new laptops to be installed in the squad cars in the next 30-45 days.