The Associated Press
Grand Island, Neb. (AP) -- A career criminal’s escape from the Norfolk regional center Friday reiterated the need for of an updated communications system for Nebraska law enforcement agents, said Hall County Sheriff Jerry Watson.
Watson said scenarios such as the escape of Christopher Nielsen concern police because officers can’t always communicate when crime situations extend across county lines. Nielsen is still on the lam.
Watson said an updated system could improve the chances of capturing fugitives as well as help officers communicate about other multi-county issues.
Representatives from a ten-county effort in Central Nebraska to build a new radio system traveled to Lincoln on Monday to turn in applications for $6.6 million in grants for the project.
Hastings Police Chief Larry Thoren said he is confident the grants will be approved.
“This is top priority not only for the people involved, but for the safety of our citizens,” Thoren said.