Some changes are coming to the Salina Police Department – on the street and over the phone.

According to Captain Sean Morton, as of Monday March 24th, citizens who call SPD’s Office line will be greeted with an auto attendant phone system.

Captain Morton tells KSAL News that it will benefit both employees and citizens alike, “It will save time and help us direct the caller to the right person or department,” he said.

Captain Morton says the auto attendant is another layer in the existing phone system they are rolling out to help communications. “We receive a lot of calls from people who want the jail or want to talk to municipal court. When they call during the day and explain their situation to a person in records, they have to tell their story again once they are directed to the right department.” Captain Morton adds the new system will prompt callers with an emergency to hang up immediately and call 911.

On the Street

This Spring, Salina Police Department is also rolling out five new Ford Explorers equipped as patrol units. The new units will also sport a new look – all black paint with white lettering.

The five units will replace the aging Ford Crown Victoria models which have been discontinued at the Ford Motor Company. The current fleet will roll over from the Crown Vics to the new Explorers as the budget allows.