NPD to upgrade building security

The Newton City Council approved new security cameras and an evidence documentation system for the Newton Police Department Monday. Also approved was a three-door access control system to help control entry and exit doors at the department.

The department currently operates with an antiquated system for the recording and preservation of digital evidence in the interview rooms. Because of the age of the equipment, it requires a significant amount of staff time to record, copy and disseminate digital evidence for court purposes.

“Essentially, we currently utilize a DVD recording system to record all of our interviews and any of our processing at the police departments. That obviously causes some inefficiency with the time recording the DVD,” Police Chief Rob Burdess said. “So it will improve efficiency.”

The new system will allow for improved documentation of incidents in the department parking lots, lobby and hallways, which it says is imperative for court documentation, prosecution of criminal charges and keeping staff safe.

Ten high definition cameras in and around the department facility along with a server to store the data and the three-door access control systems for entry and exit doors will be purchased from Strauss Security Solutions at a price of $21,370. The money to be used was earmarked for building security in the general bonding fund in 2014.

Along with being the low bid, the Urbandale company exceeded all of the staff’s required specifications and includes training time for the staff on how to operate the system. Installation is set to begin in the next four weeks.

“It is very apparent that we need to be concerned about our facility security and be aware of what is going on inside and outside of building to keep our officers and staff safe,” Burdess said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com