Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the way local police departments approach crime prevention in our community. The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is leading the charge, utilizing various tools such as drones and license plate readers made possible through grants. These technologies are part of YPD’s efforts to keep the community safe, a top priority for the department. According to Sgt. Lori Franklin of the Yuma Police Department Public Affairs, the ultimate goal is to protect and safeguard the community where officers themselves live and have families.
While YPD utilizes its own technology, it also relies on the community’s involvement in crime prevention. Technologies such as ring cameras and security cameras are invaluable resources that assist law enforcement in solving crimes. Sgt. Franklin emphasized that technology plays a significant role in identifying and solving criminal activities in the community.
Another law enforcement agency within the county, Somerton Police Department, is also leveraging technology to address crime, particularly focusing on domestic violence cases. The department sees an increasing trend in technology-based crimes rather than physical ones, reflecting a national pattern. Lt. Jose Garza of the Somerton Police Department highlighted how technology, especially phones, provides a crucial opportunity to solve crimes in their jurisdiction.
Recently, Somerton Police Department received a grant from the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to acquire Greykey software similar to popular Cellebrite software that helps download and analyze data from phones and laptops to gather evidence. Lt. Garza mentioned that this technology will greatly enhance their capabilities in investigating crimes within the community.
To learn more about how local police departments are utilizing technology for crime prevention, tune into News 11 on Wednesday, May 1st at 6:00 pm for a full special report on this topic.
In conclusion, advancements in technology have had a significant impact on local police departments’ approach towards crime prevention
