BETHEL – A nearly $11,000 grant given to the Bethel Police Department is expected to make writing reports easier and less time-consuming, while providing faster access to other law enforcement agencies.

The department was notified late last month that a $10,890 grant from the Maine Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the department for two computers and printers and four bulletproof vests.

The grant is part of the federal 2004 Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program.

Chief Alan Carr said the computers and printers will be installed in the town’s two cruisers. By having them close at hand, officers can make out reports immediately, rather than having to return to the Police Department office. Also, the computers will enable officers to have access to police information from any other department that has similar technology and to make contact with these agencies in the event of terrorist incidents.

“We hope to save more than $3,000 a year in officers’ time,” Carr said.

Officers now take information while on the road, then return to the office to make out an official report. Carr said this is a duplication of effort.

Each officer will be issued a bulletproof vest and be required to wear it at all times when on duty. Carr said they are lightweight and up-to-date.

The computers and armored vests should arrive by the end of the month.