HUBBARD Data clerk helps to get police reports in order

Training the police data clerk has helped solve the computerization problem, the safety-service director says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Police reports are nearly all computerized after stacking up.
"Ninety percent are now computerized," safety director Robert Paterniti said Wednesday.
The safety director credited part-time police data clerk Karen Whiteford, who works four hours a day, with the catchup effort that should be completed by the end of summer.
In February, Paterniti complained that the two city data clerks had quit for better-paying jobs.
Although some patrol officers could input the data into the EmergiTech Inc. computer system, they would have to be taken off patrol duty while doing so.
Paterniti didn't want to do that.
With the hiring of Whiteford in March and sending her to train at EmergiTech, she has been able to catch up, Paterniti said.
The system developed by the Reynoldsburg company allows for the retrieval of data, such as routine reports, witness statements and traffic violations.
For example, if police are called to a residence, the dispatcher can provide information about previous calls.
Requires accuracy, patience
Paterniti has said the system isn't user-friendly and the data clerks must be accurate and patient to computerize the information.
The system was purchased about eight years ago because the state safety department was complaining it wasn't getting enough data from local police departments.
At the time, EmergiTech was the only system available. Since then, Paterniti explained, a state system has been developed, but the city is committed to the system it bought.
Paterniti said he will ask city council for a pay raise for Whiteford, who receives $7.50 hourly. Although he thinks the job should pay $12.50 to $15, the best he thinks lawmakers will approve is $10 hourly.
The safety director pointed out that in addition to the computer work, Whiteford is docketing traffic tickets and making copies of police reports for the public.
This work, Paterniti said, allows dispatchers to concentrate on their work.
yovich@vindy.com