Technological Advancements and Their Impact on Yuma County’s Fight Against Crime

Yuma County, Arizona is witnessing the use of technological advancements by local police departments to reduce crime in the community. The Yuma Police Department (YPD) employs tools such as drones and license plate readers, funded by various grants, to achieve this objective. The primary goal of YPD officers is to serve the community and ensure its safety, as they are also residents with families living in the area. They emphasize that community safety is a collaborative effort, with technology like ring cameras and security cameras assisting in crime-solving.

In contrast, Somerton, a town in Yuma County, has seen an increase in technology-based crimes such as domestic violence compared to physical crimes. The Somerton Police Department has been using virtual methods to investigate and solve these crimes. Recently, the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs awarded them a grant to purchase Greykey software similar to Cellebrite, which helps with phone downloads and evidence review on laptops. This technology is vital in solving crimes and addressing the trend of using phones for criminal activities.

These examples illustrate how essential technology is in enhancing law enforcement capabilities and reducing crime rates in the community. The advancements made possible through grants and specialized software are critical in solving crimes and ensuring the safety of residents. Tune in to News 11 on Wednesday, May 1 for a full special report on how local police departments are utilizing technology to combat crime in Yuma County.