Cape Girardeau Police Department getting an upgrade on new equiptment

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – Exciting upgrades for the Cape Girardeau Police Department as they add faster technology to their cars and more canines to their team thanks to the City of Cape.

Bobby Newton the Public Information Officer for Cape Police Department as well other officers at the department expressed that they are beyond grateful for this funding. 

The Police Department owes their thanks to the help of City Council and City Management for the funding to make this happen.

Upgraded body cameras, new mobile data terminals in police vehicles, and three new police canines added to the team to help add success for Cape Girardeau Police Officers in doing their job. 

Cape Girardeau Police Department has a total of five canines added to the team which is the most they have ever had. 

Bobby Newton the Public Information Officer says the Department is excited to have this new advanced technology to make them do their job better. 

“The department does a phenomenal job in looking at the latest and greatest technology. you know, making sure that our officers are staying safe,” says Newton. 

Newton feels like officers will be able to work more efficiently. 

“In any type of new technology that rolls out, he’s investigated that. And seeing what he can do to better our officers working the streets,” said Newton. 

Newton says here are the upgrades that will be helpful. 

“The equipment, such as laptops that the officers can have in their patrol cars. Those will be more mobile so they can take them out. Our body cameras they’re just old and the life expectancy is outdated. We’ve had them for about four years now. They’re expected to last between 2 and 3 years. It will also be helpful with three new canines that are starting with us. One canine is going to be a gun detection dog, which is going to be highly valuable for our area. We’ll do some more updates on that as far as what that dog would be capable of doing,” said Newton.

Overall, Newton is ready to get the equipment in a couple of weeks and make the community stronger.

“Yeah. you know, I’m just excited to get it all rolled out. you know, to better serve the community and be able to help our officers stay safer.”

Starting the beginning of 2025 officers will begin setting up their new equipment.