CT - Newtown police aim to buy speed-detection devices
Newtown police aim to buy speed-detection devices
By Mike Russo STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 04/03/2008 09:45:23 AM EDT
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NEWTOWN - Traffic enforcement in town could take a giant step forward with the addition of laser-guided speed detection technology.
Traffic Enforcement Officer David Kullgren presented the Pro-Lite+ speed enforcement device to the Police Commission on Tuesday night.
It uses light and ranging (LIDAR) technology, or an infrared beam, to track speeders from as far away as 2,000 feet.
Kullgren said the lightweight, binocular-style hand-held device is easily accessible and can be used beyond the police cruiser.
"It has the ability to single out an individual vehicle if there is a lot of traffic on the road," he said.
Kullgren said the department's current radar gun equipment, which involves extensive setup, is becoming outdated.
"The problem with using the traditional radar system is parking the cruiser safely," he said. "The new technology is much less cumbersome to use."
Kullgren said the department has been using a Pro-Lite+ loaned from the manufacturer, Kustom Signals Inc. in Lenexia, Kan., for the past two months. Kullgren said it has been very useful on motorcycle patrols and traffic enforcement details.
"The device has had a good response from officers, who have all been trained and certified to use the equipment," he said.
The town of Bethel has begun to use the laser technology. In addition, the Connecticut State Police recently purchased 88 laser sets to be used for highway traffic enforcement.
Police Chief Michael Kehoe said the department will
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purchase two devices at a cost of $2,300 each. The money will come from a department surplus.
"If we can make these purchases this year we will and get them into service as soon as possible," he said.
Contact Mike Russo at mrusso@newstimes.com or at (203) 731-3350.
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Originally Posted by StlouisX50
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