Enhancing Surveillance Capabilities in Willcox: A New Era in Combating Border Smuggling

The Willcox Police Department in Arizona recently received a grant of $1.37 million from the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to improve their technology. The funds will be used to enhance surveillance capabilities that will assist in combating smuggling activities along the southern border.

According to Police Chief Dale Hadfield, the department used the grant money to purchase license plate cameras, radios, computers, and vehicles. Upgrading their technology was deemed necessary as the city’s streets are frequently utilized by smugglers transporting both migrants and drugs. The new radios purchased with the grant money will enable better communication with law enforcement agencies across the state. Additionally, new vehicles, including canine units and a faster car for pursuits, were purchased to enhance the department’s capabilities.

The Willcox Police Department currently has only 11 officers on staff, making it challenging for them to monitor criminal activity passing through the city effectively. However, with additional surveillance tools like license plate cameras strategically placed throughout the city near entry and exit points, they can now capture images of vehicles passing by. While these cameras do not operate continuously, they will alert law enforcement if a captured license plate matches one in an open police report.

Reporter Alexis Ramanjulu covers news in Cochise County for KGUN 9 and has a background in journalism from her time at the Herald/Review in Sierra Vista. For story ideas or tips, you can contact Alexis by email at alexis.ramanjulu@kgun9.com or connect with her on Facebook.