On October 23, 2012, at 512pm, Ptl. Rob Sharry conducted a routine license plate inquiry utilizing the computer in his police cruiser. Within a matter of seconds, Ptl. Sharry received an NCIC hit back on his computer from the State of Pennsylvania for the registered owner of the car. Ptl. Sharry stopped the Toyota Scion on Route 539 near Roosevelt City Road to probe further into this incident. Subsequent investigation revealed that Mark Haelig, 43 of Fieldcrest Lane in Toms River, who was the driver of the vehicle, was wanted on a no bail NCIC warrant out of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The man, who was wanted for a Probation Violation, had been on the run from Pennsylvania authorities since 2005. Haelig was arrested by Ptl. Sharry without incident and later lodged in Ocean County Jail awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
In car computers, also known as mobile data terminals or MDT’s, are wirelessly linked to State and National law enforcement databases. This technology allows patrol officers to perform computerized checks on things such as license plates, driver’s licenses, property and warrants from within their patrol cars. Additionally, officers can complete their reports on the MDT’s which keeps officers more readily available out on the streets rather than tied up inside police headquarters typing reports.