Forty years ago, technology provided the exciting prospect that officers would be able to communicate with the police station and other officers by portable radios they could carry on their duty belts. At that time, we would purchase the new equipment and replace it only as necessary.

The technology explosion has made its way into the public safety sector, and the choices, training and maintenance have become correspondingly complex. The digital age has brought to Vermont the possibility of immediate access to information to officers in the field through the use of mobile computers.

Digital cameras, voice recorders, sophisticated evidence collection instruments and new computer systems have improved officer and community safety, yet also provide challenges as well.