Bill helps link Valencia Co. databases

BOSQUE FARMS, N.M. (KRQE) - Law enforcement agencies in Valencia County may soon share the same database if the U.S. Senate passes a House bill providing money for a new system.

If approved, the new system will be housed at a Los Lunas dispatch center. It will link law enforcement from Bosque Farms, Belen, Los Lunas and the Valencia County Sheriff's Department.

Each law enforcement vehicle will have a laptop with the new data system, so officers will be able to enter data from the field, which will be instantly accessible on other laptops, according to Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M.

"This new technology will make life easier for local law enforcement and harder for criminals," he said.

The House passed the bill last week. It needs to pass the Senate, but Teague said he's optimistic it will pass.