Forks Police Department wants faster evidence collection, There's an app for that

FORKS TWP., Pa. - Forks Township police department is moving from laptop to tablet technology.

Two years after Easton introduced tablets for its police force, the technology is sweeping across the Valley. Forks Police Chief Greg Dorney said his team was ready to follow suit.

"They've actually been looking forward to this for a couple years," he said.

Tablet technology will allow officers to snap photos and communicate crime scene information easier than before.

The tablets are expected to offset their cost, saving the department $6,000 annually in software licensing fees.

AnchorThe move to tablet and app-based programs is part of larger departmental IT upgrades, including replacing old servers and installing internal wi-fi within the department.

Also, with plans to dissolve the defunct Two Rivers Council of Governments progressing, Forks Township supervisors want the organization's $14,000 savings spread among multiple regional charities.

"An organization could do so much with one-third of this," said supervisor Robert Egolf. "I would like to see this money divided."

Along with a Miracle League suggested by council member Thomas Nolan, supervisors suggested splitting the funds between charities such as Head Start, Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, Safe Harbor or the Women's Center.

Since it is a cooperative organization between municipalities, the money's ultimate destination rests in many hands; supervisors said they hope a letter to other members will cut short debate and close out the account quickly.

Vice Chair Erik Chuss said other members of the council hadn't seemed too interested in where the money went.

"[Their thought is] 'It's dissolved. It's done. Whatever they want to do with the money, do with the money,'" Chuss said.

Two Rivers Council of Governments, currently inactive, was intended to bring regional governments together to address problems extending past borders. It includes Forks, Palmer, Williams, Lower Nazareth townships; boroughs of Glendon, West Easton, Wilson; and the city of Easton.

Source: Forks Police Department wants faster evidence collection, There's an app for that