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Cameras, recording devices will be in all the patrol cars
By Leigh Ann Maze
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department will soon have camera and recording equipment in every marked patrol car, and a new public traffic safety program is in the works, thanks to a new round of grants approved by the town council on May 26.
Two grants, one for $29,839 from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning and another for $13,394 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for Local Law Enforcement Block Grants will be used to purchase 12 additional cameras with recorders to be mounted in patrol cars. One additional camera and recorder will be provided by the Association of Bay Area Governments.
While the LG-MSPD has had one camera for several years, Chief Larry Todd hopes to get the new cameras installed in July, so that there will be one in every marked patrol vehicle.
The cameras are used to document events, actions and conditions for testimony in court. They also enhance the LG-MSPD's ability to review probable cause for arrest, arrest procedures, officer and suspect interaction. The cameras may also be used in evidence and for officers performance evaluation and training, according to Todd.
The cameras automatically begin recording when a patrol car's overhead lights are activated, Todd said. The camera can also be turned on at anytime by a police officer
A third grant for $33,257 from the Office of Traffic Safety will be used to alleviate traffic safety problems in Los Gatos, focusing on fatal and injury collisions involving cars, bicyclists and pedestrians. Todd also hopes to increase passenger safety and reduce vehicle injuries with greater enforcement of seatbelt laws and increased Driving Under the Influence arrests.
To achieve these goals, a "Walking Safe" program will be started to train second-grade students in basic pedestrian safety rules. According to the grant application, studies have shown that motor vehicle versus pedestrian injury is the leading cause of death among children between the ages of 1 and 14 years.
A mobile radar-speed trailer and five hand-held radar units will also be purchased. Todd hopes to have police officers conduct a seat-belt compliance survey in the near future.
"We are excited to have received the grants. Hopefully we can increase the attention we pay to traffic and make things better for the citizens," Todd said.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
