The Garden City Police Department, taking further steps to fight the war on terrorism, unveiled computer terminals in 10 of its patrol cars that will provide access to the statewide counter-terrorism network and provide immediate information regarding any counter-terrorism-related information while patrolling the village.

Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue and John Scanlon, Governor Pataki's director of the New York State Office of Public Security (OPS), along with local officials Senator Kemp Hannon and Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, launched the first mobile access to the State Counter-Terrorism Network at Garden City police headquarters Monday afternoon. Garden City has been selected because it's the first department in the state to extend the network to the mobile computer system in the police cars using wireless telecommunications.

"The events of 9/11 have changed the way we knew policing forever," Garden City Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo said. Police department staff, particularly Inspector Vincent Thorn and Lieutenant Joseph Lennon, suggested the idea to the OPS and through a collaborative effort with that office, the idea has become a reality. "Officers on patrol will now receive information and notifications directly. This enhancement of the system will serve as a model for police departments across the state," Cipullo said.

The OPS, in conjunction with the New York State Association of Police Chiefs, the New York State Association of Sheriffs and New York State Police, developed the network.

"Information is the single most effective weapon in the war on terrorism. As the Office of Public Security deploys these terminals throughout the state, we are looking for more ways to get the information to our law enforcement officers," Scanlon said. "Having access to the counter-terrorism network from patrol cars is yet another way we can get information to the right people quickly ... We're in this together and we'll fight this together."

Donohue noted that more than 70,000 state and local law enforcement professionals patrol the streets every day. "Since last September 11, we have been living with an open wound. This is another opportunity to get counter-terrorism information in the hands of these professionals. We have to be prepared everywhere and anywhere. We chose Garden City because of its technological reputation and its leadership."

Critical counter-terrorism information, culled from various government and intelligence sources, can now be shared instantaneously with law enforcement via the computer network. The state, through the OPS, has provided these terminals not only on the local level but also to the federal government, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Customs Service, United States Boarder Patrol and the Federal Transportation Security Administration.

Hannon, who noted that the tranquility that exists in the village has been shattered, said putting this network together with 70,000 law enforcement officers across the state could only make for a more secure system.

O'Connell echoed the senator's words, saying, "It's a distinct pleasure to have this system launched right here in Garden City. I applaud the department and Ernie Cipullo's leadership."

Created in October 2001 in response to 9/11, the OPS coordinates and bolsters the state's efforts in its fight against terrorism. Donohue's office, which created a number to enable citizens to report any suspicious information, urges residents to call 1-800-NYS-SAFE.