GUEST COMMENTARY: Property crimes, 911 consolidation key public safety issues

Law enforcement officials in the region will face challenging times this year as Lake County deals with consolidated dispatching centers and police deal with increased property crimes.

Police officials debate 911 dispatch consolidation

The knowledge local dispatchers have of the communities they serve is what many Lake County-based police officials said they fear losing under a state-mandated consolidation of emergency dispatch centers.

Thin Blue Line - Ride along with Hammond Police

The Times was invited to join Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller to get a rare glimpse of the police on patrol in the late hours of Fourth of July. Part of the Thin Blue Line series.

Photos: Hammond 'can't afford to wait' on 911 dispatch consolidation

Hammond 'can't afford to wait' on 911 dispatch consolidation

Hammond police are contemplating a $1.2 million overhaul to their 911 dispatch center despite the state's looming deadline to force dispatch consolidation.

0918TBL.RADIO03, Ridealong with Hammond Police Department

Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller responds to a call while on patrol on July 4, 2010 in Hammond, IN.

0918TBL.RADIO05, Ridealong with Hammond Police Department

Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller, left, responds to a domestic disturbance call on the July 4, 2010. The NWI Times had an exclusive ride along with Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller.

0918TBL.RADIO02, Ridealong with Hammond Police Department

Police investigate complaints of a shooting In Hammond, IN, on the July 4, 2010. A male suspect was eventually found hidden in the back seat of a vehicle that crossed over state lines; he was taken into custody. The NWI Times had an exclusive ride along with Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller…

0918TBL.RADIO04, Ridealong with Hammond Police Department

A gun is recovered after officers investigated a complaint of shots fired while on patrol on July 4, 2010. The NWI Times had an exclusive ride along with Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller.

Ridealong with Hammond Police Department

A woman is padded down while her child stays close by after calls of shots fired led to a high speed pursuit in Hammond, IN, crossing over into Calumet City, IL, on the July 4, 2010. A male suspect was found hidden in the back seat of the vehicle the women and the child were in and the man w…

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

Several region police departments fight crime with an arsenal of expensive, high-tech tools, incorporating cutting-edge science and electronics into police work.

Thin Blue Line: Lake County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit

The Times takes a ride on the Lake County Sheriff's Department's newest helicopter and learns about its capabilities.

FireArm Training System in Lansing, IL

The police department in Lansing, IL recently acquired its Police FireArm Training System, which simulates what officers would experience out in the field. Part of the Thin Blue Line series.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

The police department in Highland has acquired high-tech electronic fingerprinting equipment.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

South Holland's police mobile command center was purchased in 2007 at a cost of $108,000.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

The police department in Lansing recently acquired its Police FireArm Training System, which simulates what officers would experience out in the field.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

The Munster Police Department has many of its police vehicles equipped with thermal imaging equipment.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

Sgt. Greg Martin, left, operates the sophisticated surveillance equipment, including the moving map, as Sgt. Randy Phillips pilots Lake County Sheriff's Aviation Unit helicopter.

Region law enforcement relies on high-tech tools of the trade

Porter police Detective Jason Casbon shows off the VIPRE voice stress software on his laptop July 27. The software will detect voice stress during interviews.