WASHINGTON -- Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., requested $700,000 from the federal government Wednesday to upgrade law enforcement communication systems in Porter and Lake counties.

"We want to make sure there's a coordinated effort so law enforcement has all of the equipment they need to be as successful as possible and as safe as possible as they do their jobs," Visclosky said in an interview at the Capitol.

The Porter County Sheriff's Department would receive a grant of $600,000 to install a new public safety computer system.

Sheriff David M. Reynolds said his department relies on an integrated public safety computer system called CLUES to operate police and emergency services.

Tiburon Inc., a company that provides public safety data systems, bought the system two years ago. Tiburon has discontinued the CLUES system, which means Porter County's system can't be upgraded.

"It's like having Microsoft Word for 1995 and not being able to upgrade," Reynolds said. "Well, it's 2002 and we need a new system. It's so important. We can't move into our new jail without it."

Visclosky also requested $100,000 for enhancements to the Lake County Sheriff's Department's Enforcement Management System.

The upgrade would allow the Lake County computer system to link to the Indiana Data and Communication System and the National Crime Information Center, Visclosky said.

"If the money is appropriated, in reality, it means we'll get a much-needed upgrade," said Loy Roberson, the Lake County sheriff's department's spokesman.

"Anytime you're dealing with electronic equipment, some of it gets outdated. We've got our fingers crossed that we'll be able to get an upgrade."

Roberson said the equipment could provide an advantage for police over criminals. "We're talking about a system that's really one big link," he said. "There's less down time involved if you have all of the information available.

"Even in a routine traffic stop, we'll be able to know is this person wanted? Do they have a criminal record?"

Visclosky said law enforcement agencies in Indiana use several radio frequencies, which makes it difficult to communicate among departments.

Communication problems impair crime-fighting ability, Visclosky said.

Visclosky requested the money in testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies.

He also asked the subcommittee to continue funding Project Hoosier SAFE-T, a mobile voice and data system and a national program that provides bulletproof vests to police.

The Times Online

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002