Willcox Police Department Receives $1.37 Million in Funding to Improve Technology and Combat Border Smuggling

The Willcox Police Department in Arizona recently received $1.37 million from the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to improve their technology in order to combat smuggling activities from the southern border. This investment will help the department better address crime and improve public safety.

According to Police Chief Dale Hadfield, the funds were used to purchase license plate cameras, radios, computers, and vehicles to upgrade their capabilities. The department identified the need for improved technology due to the fact that their streets are frequently used by smugglers for illegal activities involving both migrants and drugs.

The newly acquired license plate cameras are strategically placed throughout the city near entry and exit points. While the cameras are not actively monitored all the time, law enforcement is notified when a captured license plate matches one in an open police report. This allows for the cameras to serve as a post-incident investigation tool rather than a means of preventing crimes. Hadfield emphasized that the cameras significantly increase the chances of identifying suspects and provide valuable leads for detectives.

In addition to the license plate cameras, the technology upgrade also included the purchase of new radios that enable communication with law enforcement agencies across the state, as well as the acquisition of new vehicles including two canine units and a faster car for pursuits. With only 11 officers on staff, this investment will give them more resources to monitor and respond to criminal activity passing through