The Junction City Council approved a purchase and authorization for the police chief to sign documents to buy new mobile data terminals for patrol vehicles.

Police Chief Whitehill explained the department has three newer MBTs but older units cannot run upgraded software. He said staff requested five MBTs as a minimum to support report writing, in-car ticketing and real-time communication with municipal court. Chief Whitehill told the council ruggedized in-car computers are typically replaced every seven years: “We replace them every 7 years because we would have found that between year 8 and 10, you start having more failures.”

Staff said software and licensing funds previously budgeted for a software upgrade would be available to cover the purchase and suggested buying outright to maintain control over warranties and CJIS (criminal justice information systems) compliance rather than leasing. Councilor Leach moved to authorize the purchase of new MBTs and to authorize the police chief to sign necessary documents; the motion passed after a second.

Councilors discussed replacement timing and maintenance; staff said the plan reduces the department’s desktop footprint by replacing desktop units with MBTs and will integrate with planned in-vehicle video and license-plate-reader investments. The purchase will be funded from previously allocated technology upgrade funds.