Winchester approves $63,024 JONE grant to put tablets in police cruisers

The Town of Winchester Selectboard on Sept. 2 unanimously approved a $63,024 grant through the New Hampshire State Police JONE program to equip patrol cruisers with in-car technology.

WPD Chief Dave Rice said the grant will pay for tablets, docking stations, a keyboard, a printer and a roof antenna to allow officers to run plates and file reports from the cruiser, reducing trips back to the station. "This grant would be used to upgrade their technology in the cruisers, which would allow them to run plates and enter calls for service from said cruiser," Rice told the board at a public hearing. He added the town’s only recurring expense would be SIM cards and cellular service.

The board opened and closed the public hearing and then voted to accept and expend the funds (motion by Selectman Trevor Croteau, second by Selectman Theresa Sepe; motion carries 5-0). Rice said the department requested five units and currently has hardware capacity for six; the expected life span was discussed as about three to four years and vendor warranty/maintenance was noted. Town officials said future county-system changes may create additional upgrade opportunities or grant funding.

The chief also reported one cruiser recently returned from repair for a manufacturer defect in an oil cooler; the repair completed as of the meeting.