By John Howell
As Nathan Summers and Wayne Shinault of Complete Computers were fine tuning on Wednesday the latest technological crime deterrent in the Batesville Police Department’s quiver, Deputy Police Chief Jimmy McCloud was also promoting three services that have been available to Batesville citizens for his entire 23-year career.
Shinault and Summers were fine tuning video equipment recently purchased by the city from Complete Computers. The equipment gives dispatch officers and ‘round-the-clock real-time and recorded surveillance of the Public Square.
Shinault in a bucket truck positioned the camera as Summers guided him while looking at the images on a computer monitor in the BPD dispatch room. They were mounting the second of two cameras recently purchased by the city for surveillance of the Square.
Meanwhile McCloud wants to reinvigorate the elderly call-in program and stepped up vacation checks that the Batesville Police Department has offered city citizens for years.

Call-in program
designed for people
who live alone
The elderly call-in program is especially for someone living alone, McCloud said. To participate, a person needs only to call the police dispatcher at 563-5653 and provide general information that includes emergency contact names and numbers of a friend and/or family members. Each day, the participant is asked to call the police dispatcher to “check in,” McCloud said. If the police dispatcher has not received a call from the participant by noon, the dispatcher will call the participant to make sure the participant is alright. If the dispatcher gets no answer, she will contact the friend or family member, according to the deputy police chief.

Vacation checks
bring special attention
during absence
The police department also offers vacation checks for up to two weeks. Prior to leaving town, the resident is asked to provide the police department with basic information about what vehicles will be left at the home and what lights will be left on, McCloud continued. “As call volume allows we will attempt to check your house two times a day,” he said.
Both the call-in program and vacation checks have been under-utilized in recent years, probably because most people don’t know about them, McCloud said.
Bank escorts
available for
businesses
Escorts for businesses making bank deposits is a police service that is well-utilized, according to McCloud.
“We do a lot of bank escorts,” he said. The deputy chief said that he encourages any business making a trip to the bank to call for an escort.
“All we ask is that you be ready,” when the officer arrives, he said. And, “all this depends on call volume,” he added.
Dispatchers have information about all three services. Call them at 563-5653 for more information, McCloud said.