YPD uses speed camera money to fund equipment purchases

May 4, 2016 at 12:06a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The police department Tuesday showed off a piece of equipment purchased with money from its speed cameras.

The department was training members of the Accident Investigation Unit and the crime lab on how to use the Trimble Total Station, an electronic mapping device that will be used by both divisions in taking measurements at accident and crime scenes.

Chief Robin Lees said the device cost a little more than $30,000. Lt. William Ross, head of the AIU, said it is hoped the device can be in use within a week.

Ross said frequently at accident scenes the AIU is using tape measures at a maximum of 100 feet long. He said the Trimble Total Station eliminates that and will provide more accurate data faster.

Lees said the device also means the department can take its own measurements and readings at accident scenes and will eliminate the need to call in another agency for help.

Also, more accurate measurements at both accident and crime scenes add up to better presentations when the cases go to court, Lees said.

Lees said the department wanted to buy the device two years ago but could not. But thanks to revenue generated by the speed cameras placed primarily on Interstate 680, it was able to make the purchase.

“We thought it was a great tool but we simply couldn’t afford it,” Lees said.

Lees said the department is also looking to purchase two new vehicles for its officers who are assigned police dogs and also for a new prisoner van. He said those vehicles should be ready within a few months.

“It certainly feels good to provide our officers with the latest equipment,” Lees said.

Lees said he also is pleased that the speed cameras are leading to safer driving on the interstate, which cuts down on accidents.

“They’ve had the desired effect of slowing down traffic on the freeway,” Lees said of the cameras.

The device will probably be housed in the crime lab, who typically responds to major accidents to take pictures.

Detective Sgt. Donald Scott, head of the crime lab, said the device will be a great tool because of how accurate it is able to be.

“It won’t lie,” Scott said.