We are constantly looking at new equipment that will keep our department on the leading edge of technology.

The Winona Lake Police Department completed the first phase of installation of a mobile data computer system in February 2006. The equipment was acquired through a grant funding from the K21 Foundation.

All of the department's patrol units are now equipped with a mobile data computer. The computers provide officers in the field with vital and often life saving information. Officers have the capability to determine if a vehicle and/or persons may be wanted for various crimes throughout the nation. Officers are now equipped to handle situations having this information before becoming involved with potentially dangerous subjects. Addtionally, officers can link to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle systems nationwide and determine the status of driver's licenses and registrations. All of these requests are returned to the patrol car in seconds.

With the installation of computers in patrol cars, officers are also no longer required to report to headquarters for patrol information. They can communicate directly to dispatch and talk "real time" to any units already in the field. This keeps officers on the road, thereby providing the highest level of service to the community.

The department uses several means to patrol the Town of Winona Lake including, patrol units, bicycles, golf carts and foot patrols.

Other equipment actively used by the department is thermal imaging and night vision.