Police get grant to purchase mapping equipment

The Concord Police Department has received a $27,000 federal grant for equipment that will allow them to more quickly map accident scenes.

“Right now we’re doing manual measurements on scene, resulting in a road being closed for hours and hours and hours,” Concord police Lt. Timothy O’Malley said. “With this it should greatly reduce the time.”

The equipment can also be used to map crime scenes and help the police clear those areas more quickly, the police said.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, which the Concord Police Department takes part in annually, is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to the mapping equipment, the Concord police will spend the funds to purchase a forensic extraction device to use on cell phones and other handheld electronics.

O’Malley said the department currently sends those electronics to an outside lab but will now be able to complete those searches internally. The forensic search can uncover information such as deleted pictures or text messages.

“Police officers work each and every day to serve and protect us,” Rep. Annie Kuster said in the release announcing the grant award. “They need every tool at their disposal. These funds will make sure they have the best and most up-to-date equipment available to keep us safe.”

The police department will also share a portion of the grant with the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department.



(Tricia L. Nadolny can be reached at 369-3306 or tnadolny@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @TriciaNadolny.)