WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins police officers may be able to respond to emergencies faster thanks to a newly approved computer system upgrade.
The Warner Robins City Council voted unanimously to expand fiber connections between two key police computer systems - the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS).
"The integration between the two is necessary for modern law enforcement because of the growth that Warner Robins and Houston County has experienced," Lieutenant Eric Gossman said. "It helps our efficiency at resource management."
Currently, Houston County operates the CAD system while Warner Robins Police operates the RMS. Gossman says as the city grows, the split system faces increasing strain.
The approved upgrade will allow faster communication between the two systems, helping officers access information and respond more quickly to calls. Both the city and county will be responsible for funding their respective portions of the project, though no timeline has been set for completion.
Business owners in town say faster response times could help reduce crime. Thomas Williamson has managed Giant Foods in Warner Robins for 18 years and says he's had to call police numerous times for shoplifting and break-ins.
"Once people find out that they're getting there pretty quick, then it would stop, especially the break-ins," Williamson said. “Overall, I think it’ll help.”
Gossman says without the upgrade, response times could slow as more officers and devices are added to the system.
"You have so much information going into the 911 center," Gossman said. "If we don't upgrade, it slows that process down and then they have to take themselves out of service and then you have fewer officers on the road."
The plan will expand the city's fiber panel and allow Houston County to connect to the existing fiber network.
“It’s not easy for them, so I understand,” Williamson said. “I just hope that this makes their jobs a little bit easier, and in turn, makes my job a little easier.”