CENTER — The Center Police Department has announced that it has received funding from the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office through the Public Safety Tax, which was approved by the Saguache County Commissioners.

The funding will be used by CPD to purchase equipment to modernize the police reporting system.

According to CPD Chief Dale Meek, “This equipment makes officers more efficient. All reports, accidents, criminal and citations, can be written digitally in the vehicles without going to the office. The smart devices have cameras so photos can be taken and instantaneously uploaded into reports. Software is all accessible through cloud-based programs allowing supervisors to view and approve reports anywhere. This mobile report writing platform will make officers more efficient and it motivates them to do more. A final note on that, it reduces the amount of time needed to process data to make ourselves S.B. 217 compliant.”

Another benefit to the upgraded system is the ability to track crime trends and share information with other law enforcement agencies which will benefit Center and the San Luis Valley by allowing law enforcement to focus on current criminal activity and trends.

Most larger law enforcement departments in urban areas use similar systems to help with report writing and crime trends and this system is a significant step forward in a rural community such as Center.

Chief Meek also shared that the next Coffee with the Chief event will be on April 30 at 9 a.m. at the Center United Methodist Church. All community members from Center and the surrounding areas are invited to attend.