LAWRENCE: Need police assistance? Try the new eDesk

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   Tucked away in a corner just inside the lobby at the Lawrence Township Police Department is an inconspicuous-looking touch-screen computer — the Lawrence Township Police eDesk.
   But with a touch of the finger on the computer screen, a visitor can do anything from pay a traffic ticket to request a copy of a police report or motor vehicle accident report, said police Lt. Thomas Ritter. Reports can be emailed to the requestor.
   Touch the “pay citations” box, and the user can choose to pay a traffic ticket or a red-light camera violation. The red-light camera segment explains what it is, and also allows the user to watch the videotape of the alleged violation. Some people may not have access to a computer to view the videotape.
   Users can file a police report, contact a specific police officer, or leave an anonymous crime tip. They can also fill out a form to request the Police Department to give “passing attention” to their home when they go on vacation, or file a complaint — or a compliment — about the Lawrence Township Police Department, Lt. Ritter said.
   Information on how to obtain a gun permit is available, as well as driving directions from the Lawrence Township Police Department to nearby hospitals or any other destination that a driver might need, he said.
   There is even a link to the Lawrence Township municipal government website, called “City website” on the eDesk computer. The computer has been in place since December.
   ”Hopefully, this will make it easier and more convenient for people,” Lt. Ritter said. “Now, they won’t have to wait for a dispatcher or a police officer. If you wanted a report, you could only get it from the Records Bureau during business hours. Now you can get it around the clock.”