Computer equipment purchase for West Haven Police Department.

The goal of this project is to address security risks and impairments caused by outdated desktop computer systems in the West Haven Police Department (WHPD) with the purchase of new units. Requested funding will finance the purchase of new desktop computers for day-to-day WHPD use including, but not limited to, research, record keeping, emails and public communication. WHPD currently has 150 desktop computers in operation which were purchased in 2014. Only 22 units are eligible for service after Spring 2025, when the remaining units will be unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Requests funds will replace the oldest computers in the building.

The City of West Haven faces economic challenges related to a low tax base and high need for services. The State of Connecticut has declared West Haven a “Distressed Municipality” for the last 5+ years. The City is home to multiple large-scale non-taxable entities such as the University of New Haven and the State’s largest Veterans Administration Hospital. This, coupled with the City’s aging infrastructure, makes it difficult to finance necessary upgrades to technology. With these funds, the City will be able to finance part of its transition to more reliable and secure technology for WHPD.