New microphones will record Latrobe police interviews, monitor holding cell conversations

When Latrobe police interview someone at their station or they’re held in the city’s lockup they will be recorded using new microphones that are among the improvements planned this year, police Chief Richard Bosco said.

Officers already wear body cameras at all times, including when they’re conducting interviews at the station, but the new microphones will ensure conversations are captured to support police investigations.

“It just gives a high quality recording of what’s going on in that room, if a body camera fails when they’re doing a very important interview,” Bosco said.

The microphones will have a prominent red flashing light so that all parties are aware a recording is being made.

“So we’ll be fully covered under the wiretap act,” he said.

Bosco said microphones also are needed to monitor activity in spaces in city holding cells that aren’t visible from security cameras focused on cell entrances.

“We’ve had a couple of incidents over the last few months where it would have been in the city’s best interest to have audio and video in the cells,” he said.

Recent institutional vandalism included a cell occupant’s attempt to rip a sink off a wall and smearing of feces, which cost about $1,000 to remedy. according to Bosco.

“If we could hear them, we would know they’re doing something they shouldn’t be doing,” he said.

New lockers for officers will also be installed, Bosco said.

They will replace lockers several decades old that are in disrepair.

The department will purchase 25 modern lockers of solid steel from a company near York, each weighing close to 400 pounds, Bocso said.

“They’ll last a lifetime,” he said.

Each officer will have one locker measuring 36 inches wide. Each officer currently is provided with two 24-inch lockers.

Other improvements to the locker area will include applying fresh paint to the walls, cleaning the showers and replacing old ceiling tile.

The department also will purchase ballistic helmets for officers and will replace some ballistic vests that are nearing their five-year life expectancy.

The new equipment and locker room makeover will be paid for with $90,000 in funding from a state program meant to support officer wellness.

When officers arrive at a clean, up-to-date work area, Bosco said, it sets a positive tone as they begin their shift in what can be a stressful job.

“If it’s a relaxed environment, they’re relaxed when they walk out that door and hit the streets,” he said.