Sheriff's vehicles getting new tracking system

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones announced last week he will pursue purchase of a system that will use satellites to track police vehicles for greater efficiency and deputy safety.

The devices would be paid for using part of a $11,435 federal grant available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Last year the sheriff's office used a similar grant award to purchase ammunition and simulation rounds for training purposes, according to Undersheriff Dave Ponozzo.

If the funds come through as expected this September, Ponozzo said police vehicles will be installed with Automatic Vehicle Locators. These GPS-driven tracking devices allow dispatchers, supervisors and other on-duty deputies to determine automatically the location of other sheriff's office vehicles and track all on-duty deputies.

Ponozzo said the system would provide safety and more efficient response to calls for service.

"Instead of sending the call out to a pool of people, they can see who is closest," he said.

The sheriff's office will also use a portion of the grant to outfit more police vehicles with Statewide Electronic Collision and Ticket Online Records (SECTOR) units. Currently about half of all sheriff's vehicles have SECTOR units installed, which provide deputies with the ability to electronically produce traffic infractions, citations and collision investigation reports while in their vehicles. Ponozzo said the units streamline records management and save time by immediately transmitting information to the courts and the Department of Licensing.

As part of the requirements for the Edward Byrne Memorial grant the sheriff's office is required to notify the public of their intent to apply in order to allow opportunity for public comment.

For questions, comments or concerns contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-754-2011.