Glendora PD Introduces New Technology To Help Nab Criminals

As Glendora Police Chief Rob Castro revealed an i he said several new technology developments and devices are focused on catching more criminals.

In 2012, auto thefts went up 32 percent, while burglaries rose 9 percent, said Castro.

But as budgets shrink, the department is shifting its focus on new technology rather than manpower.

New technological developments include more sophisticated DNA data to help link suspects to crimes. With the city’s close proximity to freeways, Castro said most property crimes are committed by criminals from outside of Glendora.

“We’re catching guys with DNA from out in places like Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside,” said Castro during Thursday’s State of the City Address. “These are guys who just come to Glendora commit a crime and they’re gone. But now, because they’ve left something behind, we can make these arrests.”

Glendora Police is also the first agency In Los Angeles County to utilize mobile citation devices, replacing the pen-and-paper citation. Tickets can now be all done electronically, where officers can simply run a drivers license and the information is instantly in the system.

Castro said the new device led to the elimination of a records specialist position.

Officers can also carry a mobile fingerprinting device that can give officers an instant background check on a person. Officers are instantly able to find out if a person had been arrested, does not have a license or any identification.

All of the money for the technology was funded by grants rather than city general funds, said Castro.