How Local Police Departments are Revolutionizing Crime Prevention: A Closer Look at Yuma and Somerton Police

Advancements in technology are transforming the way local police departments approach crime prevention in our community. The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is at the forefront of this movement, utilizing various tools such as drones and license plate readers to keep the community safe. These technologies, made possible through grants, are part of YPD’s efforts to protect and safeguard the community where officers themselves live and have families.

According to Sgt. Lori Franklin of the Yuma Police Department Public Affairs, technology plays a significant role in identifying and solving criminal activities in the community. While YPD utilizes its own technology, it also relies on the community’s involvement in crime prevention. Various technologies like ring cameras and security cameras are invaluable resources that assist law enforcement in solving crimes.

Another law enforcement agency within the county that is leveraging technology to address crime is Somerton Police Department. The department sees an increasing trend in technology-based crimes rather than physical ones, reflecting a national pattern. Lt. Jose Garza of the Somerton Police Department highlighted how technology, especially phones, provides a crucial opportunity to solve crimes in their jurisdiction.

Recently, Somerton Police Department received a grant from the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to acquire Greykey software. This software assists in downloading and analyzing data from phones and laptops to gather evidence, making it similar to popular Cellebrite software. Lt. Garza mentioned that this technology will greatly enhance their capabilities in investigating crimes within the community.

To learn more about how local police departments are utilizing technology for crime prevention, tune into the full special report airing on Wednesday, May 1 on News 11.