Lynda Cohen, Press of Atlantic City (New Jersey)

Atlantic City officials will meet this week to discuss spending a $3.5 million grant to upgrade the Police Department’s outdated technology.

Hiring someone to help move the antiquated equipment into the 21st century is first on the list under the agreement with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which is funding the grant. That person will help make decisions for purchases including new systems for both records management and computer-aided dispatch, or CAD, which is how dispatchers log calls.

“We’re going to go at it as quickly as we can, while at the same time making sure we make the wisest decision and get the most value for our dollar,” Public Safety Director Willie Glass said. “An expert coming in and evaluating our program and how we interface with other agencies is a critical component as we move forward.”

Police Chief Ernest Jubilee said he already knows where he wants to start: Tip411.

Officials have previously discussed using the subscription-based program, which allows people to talk with police anonymously via text. Tip411 is already used by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, and, next week, Vineland police will begin using it as well.

“It’s very important,” Jubilee said of the program. “It’s another tool to give residents and visitors a level of comfort in contacting the police anonymously.”

Jubilee said they first have to talk with the CRDA to see whether the program meets the requirements of the grant. But if there are restrictions, he said, the money could be found elsewhere.

The subscription cost is about $17,500, Tourism District Commander Tom Gilbert said.

“I think we’re very close to getting that done,” he said. “Whether it be the city or the CRDA, Tip411 is something that we’ve got to do.”

The move is the only technology-based one Jubilee said he could see making before an expert is chosen.

“We’ve got to get the consultant hired and hit the ground running,” he said.

The move is long overdue, officials say. The technology money has been available since 2007, but problems between the city and the state kept it held up, officials have said.

With the Tourism District, the city and state are now working together toward the governor’s goal of a “clean and safe” Atlantic City.

“They have a seat at the table,” Jubilee said. “But it’s the Police Department that needs a new CAD and (records management system). We need GPS in our cars. It’s not just a Tourism District issue. I welcome Tom Gilbert’s input on projects that we’re working on.”

Additionally, the city also is closer to making the ShotSpotter audio gunshot-detection system operational. The system alerts police to gunshots and can pinpoint where they’re coming from. The plan is to use them with the cameras in the city.

The locations — which are not being released — have been chosen, Jubilee said. He did not have a number but said, “The majority of the city is covered.”

Right now, they are awaiting permission to link to cameras owned by private commercial properties.

“As soon as we get the necessary permissions, they will come in and start installing the censors,” Jubilee said. “So far, no one we’ve asked has said no.”

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