WTF? NYPD still using typewriters?

Not only that, but they just invested almost $1 million in new ones! :shock:

They already have computers. Surely that money would be better spent on software to do what they're currently doing with typewriters.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/nyc-keeps-ahead-of-the-curve-invests-1-million-into-typewriter/

In other news, NYPD to invest $1 million in brand new stagecoaches.

Anything that gives them an excuse from doing actual work.

MeredithB wrote: Anything that gives them an excuse from doing actual work.

Wait, you're at work right now, aren't you?

Just sayin'.

Trudat, but I do actual work between posts.

I think it's a good thing. No surfing the 'net for civil-rights-violation porn.

i love typewriters. seriously. it's so gratifying, the heavy keys, the thunk-thunk-thunk of the type bars . . . but i agree that they're just silly to use in this context. it sounds like they're only using them to fill out two kinds of reports. how is that worth it? get some adobe, dude.

Subject: Re: WTF? NYPD still using typewriters?

Carnivore wrote: Not only that, but they just invested almost $1 million in new ones! :shock:

They already have computers. Surely that money would be better spent on software to do what they're currently doing with typewriters.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/nyc-keeps-ahead-of-the-curve-invests-1-million-into-typewriter/

In other news, NYPD to invest $1 million in brand new stagecoaches.

wow. just...wow.

When it really becomes a pain is when you apply for a position in the department that requires you to type in the answers to the questions on the application. Had to go searching for typewriter, ribbon, etc. Real pain in the azz.

There are much better technologies out there if all they're using the typewriters for is filling in forms. The one time we had to fill in a car crash report we filled it in on the DMV website in an Acrobat form, printed it out and mailed it in. Ditto when we applied for a mortgage - used the fillable pdf on the Fannie Mae website.

Most half way decent administrative assistants have the skills to mock up a fillable pdf, it doesn't take a programmer.

Where can one find typewriters? I thought the general store ran out - along with the long overdue shipments of crinoline hoop skirts, spats and TVs with rabbit ears and no remotes.

Yeah my friend was APPLYING to the force and she had to fill out the extremely long application using a typewriter. I was flabbergasted. And then they rejected her over some BS.

I hate that they are so outdated. I am sure there are a lot of crimes that could be solved if there was better technology to connect the dots. Plus, administratively, it would be so much easier to find records.

Y'all are totally missing the point. They keep the typewriters so that in the event of a blackout, terrorist attack, or the end of days, they can continue to arrest, book, and process criminals. Its a brilliant plan to keep chaos from breaking out!!!

:-' :-' :-' :-' :-'

Homeowner - If there is a blackout or terrorist attack, I am pretty sure the boys in blue will not be sitting in the building typing up reports. I could see the typewriters used as back-up in situations where there is no power or network but as the primary means - not so much.

homeowner wrote: Y'all are totally missing the point. They keep the typewriters so that in the event of a blackout, terrorist attack, or the end of days, they can continue to arrest, book, and process criminals. Its a brilliant plan to keep chaos from breaking out!!!

:-' :-' :-' :-' :-'

wait ...manual typewriters? ...not electric ones? you can't be correct.

They are not using Underhills. They are behind the times, but not that behind.

Do the police stations really not have backup generators? I'm not being facetious- I actually am curious about this. Every hospital I've ever worked in has had backup generators for emergencies like this. It boggles the mind that those in charge of equipping a police station, whose function is equally critical during a blackout, wouldn't take this basic step to prepare for a totally inevitable situation.

typing on a Underhill in the dark ...even better.

P.S. I know many police pcts have back up generators, but I don't know if they all do. The large Fire/EMS Brooklyn dispatch center (located at Washington and Empire) seems to be having work done on its the last time I walked by.