By Andrew Corselli, Staff Writer
The Township Committee has authorized the purchase of 13 digital mobile video recorder (DVR) systems for police vehicles that will allow the department to retire the archaic VHS-tape-based system now in use.
The purchase, in the amount of $76,900, was approved at the committee’s Dec. 28 meeting.
”It’s important to note that these are digital recorders,” Committeeman Bob Wagner said at the meeting. “I’ve been back in police headquarters several times. The VHS tapes are floor to ceiling and there’s a storage issue, and when’s the last time anyone has ever used a VHS tape?”
The DVRs will be funded through the capital budget and purchased through a competitive pricing agreement with the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, according to the resolution. L3 Communications/Mobile Vision will provide the cameras.
”You can store (the VHS tapes) with the eight tracks,” said Committeeman Anthony Ferrera. “It’s an important purchase as we continue to stay ahead of the technology curve.”
The Township Committee also voted that night to authorize the purchase of three replacement marked police vehicles and retire three unmarked vehicles as part of the vehicle replacement program.
The replaced marked vehicles will be added to the unmarked fleet and three unmarked vehicles, each with between 115,000 and 130,000 miles, will be placed on auction by the township.
”The replacement program helps protect police officers by ensuring (that they’re using) safe, modern vehicles,” then-Mayor Frank DelCore said. “It reduces our maintenance costs as older vehicles that are more prone to break down are replaced. It also reduces fuel costs as new vehicles can obtain better gas mileage.”
The three new vehicles, which will not exceed costs of $98,340, will be purchased from Warnock Fleet Sales and Leasing, of East Hanover, through the Cranford Police Cooperative Pricing System. The vehicles will be replacements for patrol units T-1, 607 and 611 with a radar unit for the T-1 replacement.
”We were able to leverage the buying power being a member of the buying group,” Committeeman Carl Suraci said. “It’s just another one of the ways to be saving taxpayer dollars.”

