LETTER: Dolan Advocates for Police Communications

[Editor's note: The following is a Letter from Mayor Rob Dolan to the Melrose Board of Aldermen.]

Dear Member of the Board of Aldermen,

I am writing to express my strongest support for Order 2013-52, authorization of a bond in the amount of $450,000 for new radio dispatch equipment and associated upgrades to the Melrose Police Department.

This money will be used to fund several long-overdue upgrades to the police radio system and the dispatch area. The new radio system complies with FCC mandates and is more reliable than the current system, which is so old that it can no longer be supported properly.

In addition, the new system will have mapping capability, and the dispatchers will be able to view photos of the area to see, for instance, entrances and egresses to a house or lot. The police cruisers will be equipped with new mobile radios with much improved sound quality. There will be fewer radio dead spots. And the radio lines will be converted to fiber, which will save money on repairs.

In addition, the project will include some much-needed improvements to the police station. The dispatch, officer in charge, detective, and customer service areas will get new floors, fresh paint and new furniture, making it a better work and customer service environment.

This project is the result of a collaborative effort by Chief (Michael) Lyle, our police officers and our Planning and IT departments. It will improve the Melrose Police Department’s technology, communication, and overall environment, and I hope you will give it your full support.

Sincerely,

Mayor Rob Dolan