This week, the Morgantown Police Department began using a new software which will improve communication and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
“I’ve been working to upgrade and replace the existing program to a comprehensive record management system for eight years now, this software will make many tasks in the Department flow much easier”, said Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston. “It will also allow for easier access to important information.”
The new software, called the Zuercher Suite, comes from a public sector company called Central Square Technologies. The new software adds Computer Aided Dispatching, or CAD, which is used by 911 for dispatch calls to law enforcement, medical and fire. The software also includes a records management system where officers will add information and compile reports and cases.
The Morgantown Police Department will join several organizations in Monongalia County that have already converted to the Zuercher Suite. With all public safety sectors on the same software, sharing vital information will save time and eliminate extra effort. Every public safety employee in Monongalia County can access information on individuals who have been arrested in the area or see the response to a call by other public safety personnel.
Over the past three months, officers of the Morgantown Police Department have been training daily to use the software. The software introduces new concepts such as eCitations, where citations will be issued by officers and printed on a computer in their vehicle, GPS public safety vehicle location and easier access to information.
“The Zuercher Suite is a cohesive system,” said Chief Preston.
“All public safety personnel can now use the platform and share information in real time and see what is going on around Morgantown and Monongalia County.”
Image of portable computer that will be in each MPD vehicle. These computers will allow officers to create eCitations, enter data, and see data from public safety departments around the county.