SCOTT POLICE HOOK ONTO DATABASE

SCOTT CITY -- With the arrival of a new computer system and a patrol car, it's an early Christmas for the Scott City Police Department.

The new Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System will connect the department with state and national databases.

It gives the department access to criminal records and warrant history, said Police Chief Danny Clubb.

Officers will be trained next week on how to operate the system, which cost the city about $6,000.

Dispatcher Anita Smith will receive extensive training for entering warrant information.

"Now we won't have to call the county all the time for printouts," Smith said.

Mayor Larry Forhan said buying the computer system was something the department had planned for years.

"Any traffic stop can be a dangerous situation so this means instant feedback," Forhan said, adding that it also means more efficiency for the department.

The Scott City Council also approved the purchase of a new patrol car. Instead of being sold, the older model cars are used by other city departments.