Commissioners Approve Request to Use E-911 Funds for GPS Tracking Devices

July 12, 2016 WAMW News

At Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Daviess County Commissioners approved a request to use E-911 funds to provide 21st century technology to Washington’s police officers. 

 

In making the request to add GPS tracking to Washington’s police cars, police Chief Todd Church said it would help emergency response by giving dispatchers a way to get the closest car to an emergency situation.  Church also said City Police would be better able to assist the County Sheriff’s Department.  The Sheriff’s department already has the capability.  In supporting the request, County Commissioner Nathan Gabhart called the new technology a very valuable tool.  Church said technology would also help coordinate Police and Fire Department responses to emergencies.   The Commissioners approved the use of $115,776 from the E-911 fund.  Gabhart noted that this type of request was what the fund was established for, and it uses no additional tax dollars.

     In other business, the Commissioners gave Emergency Management Director Paul Goss permission to apply for a competitive grant to replace outdated radios at the Sheriff’s Department; approved requests from Scott Schnarr to replace three courthouse doors, replace fire hoses at the courthouse, and extend hand rails on two courthouse stairwells.
     The Commissioners also approved a state mandated materiality policy, and federally mandated changes in Title VI forms.