The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced the creation of the Consortium Project, an OCJS-funded, information-sharing technology adopted by six local law enforcement agencies.

Along with the six original member agencies, University Police have joined the innovative initiative.

“We’re on a fast track in Ohio for law enforcement,” said Erin O’Donnell, spokeswoman for OCJS.

The new, Web-based technology allows for agencies to swap and access information, fingerprints and photographs at the local and national level, over a secure Internet connection, O’Donnell said. The information can be obtained in real time from computers in cruisers.

“I think it will make law enforcement’s job easier,” O’Donnell said.

The Project is expected to save police agencies an estimated 2,000 man-hours a year, she said.

“Officers won’t have to go back to the station and file paperwork after each incident,” O’Donnell said.

The project will arm police officers with the weapon they most need – information.

“A lot of people think that when the police approach your car they already know everything about you, and that’s not the case,” O’Donnell said.

OCJS is a cabinet-level agency of Gov. Bob Taft committed to reducing crime in Ohio, she said. Through research, grants and initiatives of over $30 million a year, OCJS strives to make Ohio a safer state, O’Donnell said.

“We are the lead justice planning and assistance agency for the state,” O’Donnell said.

Original Consortium Project members – Dublin, Powell, Westerville, Worthington, Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights police departments – were chosen as a result of their close ties to OCJS, she said.

The $800,000 price tag covered all six agencies with each city paying about 150,000 each, O’Donnell said. Ohio State decided to join the initiative on its own will and paid out of its own pocket, she said.

“When we started funding these agencies a year and a half ago, the technology was really new,” O’Donnell said. OCJS gives money to the police agencies and the technology is then purchased from the Armada Group, she said.

Based in Westerville, the Armada Group is a law enforcement technology company founded by a former Columbus Police Officer, said Seth Cramer, chief business officer for the Armada Group.

The former officer was frustrated with the lack of technology and tools necessary to do his job efficiently, Cramer said. He decided to do something about it and start his own business, he said.

Cramer said the first software was developed in November 2001 with the Powell Police Department receiving the technology first in March 2002.

“It’s continually in development,” Cramer said.

Much like any product, it’s important to listen to the customer, he said. Improvements and additions to the software come from officer feedback, Cramer said.

Powell Police Lt. Steve Hrytzik said the Consortium Project has helped his department better serve the community.

“It helps he communication between agencies which increases the odds of catching the criminal,” Hrytzik said.

He said the software is constantly improving and adapting to the needs of the officers who’ve come to count on its aid.

“The company (Armada Group) has been very user-friendly for us,” Hrytzik said.

“While technology can’t make you feel completely comfortable, having the information you need to do your job can go a long way in making you feel more comfortable,” he said.