CHARLESTON, WV – Charleston police officers can now spot where other department vehicles are located as a result of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) devices being installed in many of the department’s vehicles, according to the Charleston Gazette newspaper. The devices use global-positioning technology to update the location of officers’ vehicles every five seconds. They also allow administrators and Metro 911 dispatchers to track officers’ locations and speed from headquarters or the dispatching center. The AVL modems and hockey-puck-sized, black antennas have been installed in 30 patrol cars, two K-9 units, and a traffic division car. The AVLs integrate with the computers in officers’ vehicles, known as Mobile Data Terminals. Officers can get directions to a call or locate an officer who needs help. Metro 911’s dispatchers can now spot Charleston officers on a large TV screen that displays a map of the city. Proposed benefits of the system include quicker response times, lower vehicle maintenance costs, better fuel efficiency, and fewer accidents. The system, which cost about $46,000, was paid for through a 2003 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, according to the report.