LAPD’s high-tech mobile surveillance camera Wednesday at the Lemon Lot. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) has added a high-tech mobile surveillance tool to its crime-fighting arsenal. This new tool is a state of the art camera with features that include a live feed directly into the Consolidated Dispatch Center, continuous recording, detectives and patrol officers can see the camera feed right from their cell phones and the camera has a night vision capability. The cost is about $30,000.
“We really want to commend Beverley Simpson and her Emergency Management Department for applying for and securing the grant funding that allowed us to add this important new tool to our arsenal,” Deputy Chief Oliver Morris said. “Now we have a state of the art mobile surveillance camera that can extend higher than 20 feet in the air that will prove beneficial to our entire community.”
When first received, the camera was stationed near the entrance to town for a few weeks and is now at the Lemon Lot.
“The mobility of this camera allows us to move it to any area where we see a need for extra surveillance,” Deputy Chief Morris said. “This is assisting us in our investigation into the recent rash of catalytic converter thefts. We also have additional tools we are seeking contract approval for right now that will enhance even more our crime prevention capabilities.”
Deputy Chief Morris added that LAPD is seeking new recruits to join the team.
About LAPD:
LAPD is comprised of 33 sworn officers. The Patrol Division is comprised of 20 officers, which include four sergeants. The Patrol Division is overseen by the Operations Commander, who also oversees the Criminal Investigations Unit. The Patrol Division is made up of four patrol teams working 12-hour shifts. Each team is at full strength with five officers, one being the sergeant. They are given the designations of A, B, C, and D teams. Two of these teams, A and C, are day teams, and B and D team are night teams.
During their regular working days the patrol officers are required to spend a certain length of time out of their patrol vehicle. This time out of the vehicle can be spent conducting bike patrol, or on foot walking around within the community. In addition to their patrol duties some officers may be assigned to special teams and have special duties.
Recruitment:
Los Alamos County encompasses 110 square miles. Anyone interested in learning more about working for the LAPD is encouraged to look at the Employment Opportunities for more information including how to apply at https://www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/police.
Aside from the service police officers provide to the community, the LAPD also operates the County Detention Center and is responsible for Animal Control, including the operation of the County Animal Shelter, Deputy Chief Morris said. The Detention Center and Animal Shelter are staffed with employees specifically hired and trained to fulfill that function.
The Los Alamos Detention Center is considered one of the best small jails in the state, he said, It has even received state recognition for its exceptional standards of operation including customer service. The Detention Center is staffed by a small group of dedicated professionals and enjoys a very high retention rate for its employees.
“LAPD is an agency that strives to meet or exceed the expectations of the people we serve,” Deputy Chief Morris said. “As a police agency in a community with a low crime rate, we are afforded the opportunity to become involved with many issues and activities that would be considered non-traditional police roles. Our employees are encouraged to get out into the community we serve and live in. Sworn and non-sworn employees alike are helping address community issues. We strive to provide an environment that encourages all employees to be an approachable resource for visitors and residents of the county. We are seeking new recruits and welcome those interested in learning more to contact our training sergeant at 505.662.8222 or email lapd@lacnm.us.”