Jeannette police could get new in-car computers

Jeannette police could be getting in-car technological upgrades after an update to a statewide system left officers without the ability to look up certain background information.

Officer Derek Manley said updates to the JNET system made it incompatible with computers, which run on Windows 7, in city patrol units. JNET allows officers to look up information, such as a person’s criminal history, warrants, addresses, registrations and photos.

“I use it on a daily basis,” he said. “I don’t have any access to that right now.”

Other programs officers use the computers for — electronic ticketing and PennDOT records — could have a similar fate if those are updated, too, Manley said.

Council could vote Thursday on replacing the computers. Most of the group appeared in favor of the measure Tuesday.

“I’m on board. I think every council member is, but we have to come up with money,” Councilman Chuck Highlands said.

Manley suggested purchasing six refurbished computers at about $700 each, which includes additional support. Other options included getting Windows 10 licenses and new hard drives or brand-new computers.

Mayor Curtis Antoniak said he believes the department’s expenses will come in under budget this year, leaving some extra funds for the purchase.

“It’s something that we definitely need,” he said. “I truly feel the police budget is going to be OK this year.”

In other news, police Chief Shannon Binda announced his retirement. He was appointed in 2014. Binda’s last day in uniform will be June 4, and his final day with the department will be July 23. Antoniak said he will be promoting a current officer to chief but did not publicly identify the candidate.