The police department in Newark is undergoing a technology upgrade.

Newark Police
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Newark police patrol cars will be outfitted with dashboard cameras and the department is partnering with a private company to increase access to surveillance cameras across the city.

The police department's website has also been upgraded to allow people to report non-emergency crimes online.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker says that will free up police officers for more serious matters.

Booker says much of the initiative is being paid for through grants, philanthropy and public-private partnerships. Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio says the technology is meant to make police officers safer and more accountable while helping to reduce crime.

City officials say Wednesday's announcement is only the first of many technology initiatives to come.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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