New Police Dispatch System Approved by Watchung Council

Watchung police may soon upgrade the dispatching and record keeping systems used, with a $52,500 bond ordinance introduced at the Oct. 11 Borough Council meeting.

The department will switch to a system called "Lawsoft" for tracking dispatch calls and reports, and "InfoCop" for use in police vehicles checking drivers and vehicle registrations.

According to Chief of Police Timothy Wenzel, the department reviewed a number of possibilities, including the same system used by the county dispatch, but found Lawsoft to be better.

"We really look into it thoroughly, and we came up with the best product in our price range and yet were saving some money on it," Chief Wenzel said.

In addition to being about $7,500 less than other systems, the ongoing maintenance costs for the system are less.

Chief Wenzel also said the new system will allow better tracking of reports, with administrative officers able to see current status on investigations and the ability to produce daily activity reports. 

The department's search for a new system was led by Brian Townley, who reviewed systems in use by five different police departments and the county's central communications department. Watchung police initially considered the same system used by the county to assure communication between the departments, but learned county officials were not too impressed with the system they used.

The new Lawsoft system will be fully compatable with the county systems, Chief Wenzel said.

The ordinance will be put to a second vote Nov. 11, following a public hearing.