Thanks to over $66,000 worth of grants received from the Department of Justice, the Kaplan Police Department was able to make several technological improvements.

Among the three grants received, $19,848 will be used to purchase a camera system, with audio, which will be installed in every office of the police department.

“This system will enable us to monitor the prisoners, interviews, and all activity anywhere in the department,” said Chief of Police Boyd Adams.

The equipment has been ordered and should be completely installed within 30 of receiving the cameras.

The amount of $5,100, will be used to purchase four desktop computers and one laptop.

Next $8,373 was used to purc,hase a new server with a website and email address for the department. This project has been completed.

The amount of $11,174, is earmarked to purchase a higher ground recording system. This will record all incoming, outgoing and police radio traffic.

A tool to make identifications cards for police officers was used with the $4,272 grant.

Three stationary radar speed detectors have been purchased with the $6,541 reimbursement grant.

“The radars have installed in the police cars and are currently in used,” said Adams.

The last of the money, $15060, will be used to purchase three cameras with GPS systems to be installed in the patrol cars.

This is the only grant which requires the city to match a percent of the amount.

The matching amount totals $4,364.

“This grant money will have a tremendous positive impact on my department,” said Adams. “We received over $66,000 to make much needed updates, and all it cost us was a little over $4,000.

“These improvements will assist us in making our city a safer place, along with giving our officers a safer environment to be able to carry out their duties.”