Soon ASU police will be able to identify wanted suspects with the click of a mouse thanks to a new computer-aided dispatch system funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant.
The University recently signed a nearly $1 million contract with New World Systems, a Michigan-based software company, to update its dated system.
A press release from the company said the new system would make for a more efficient police force on campus.
"The Department's 10-year-old system was built on old architecture and technology and, compared to today's systems, it lacks functionality, integration, reporting capabilities," the release said
The Arizona Board of Regents announced plans for the new Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System at its Aug. 20 meeting.
The release said the funds for the expensive upgrade would come from a Department of Homeland Security grant.
The upgrade is expected to take some time because of the need for additional training and the system would not give police access to private student records.
ASU police communications and records manager Karon Zimpfer said department officials knew it was time to upgrade the current system, in which officers have to radio plate numbers and information to dispatchers to gain more information.
"We will have easy access to real-time information [and be able] to provide it to first responders prior to arriving at a scene," Zimpfer said.
She said mobile computing would allow public safety officials to easily communicate with one another as well as access records.
Similar systems have been incorporated at Notre Dame, Syracuse and Northwestern University.
Construction freshman Efren Villanueva was glad to hear about the upgrade.
"The system would probably help officers get information quicker if there is a commotion or an assault," Villanueva said.
He said while he thinks it is a good use of Homeland Security funds from the University's standpoint, there are other, more vulnerable areas, where the funds could have been applied.
"Places like ports and borders need more inspectors to make the entire country safer," Villanueva said.
Marketing junior Jennifer Hardy said the changes would make her feel safer on campus.
"I think students that have something to hide might have to worry about it," Hardy said. "But I would like to think that most students would support [anything] that makes our campus safer."
Zimpfer said both students and officers would benefit from the new technology.
"We look forward to the seamless integration, which will improve processes and increase safety for officers and our campus community," she added.
Reach the reporter at mark.saxon@asu.edu.
