NORCROSS, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Norcross police are now using innovative technology that they believe will make officers safer and improve response time.
The technology combines Wi-Fi and GPS, allowing dispatchers to pinpoint exactly where an officer is located within seconds. Police said most GPS has a delay in tracking one's location.
"There is no other agency in the U.S. that has this right now," said Sgt. Bill Grogan, who extensively researched the technology.
Grogan said knowing where police are stationed allows dispatchers to dispatch the closest unit to an emergency.
"It was like late at night and they were playing music real loud," said Donte Jenkins, a Norcross resident who recently called 911 for help. "They (police) were there in less than a minute."
Police said an added benefit of the new system is that they can compile data on locations police units are called to frequently. They look at the statistics and can position officers in certain areas.
"We're using technology to show us where crimes may be about to occur," Grogan said.
The police department used $10,000 in federally-seized drug money to purchase the equipment. Police said the state-of-the-art system also does not require a monthly GPS tracking fee which is an added savings.
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