Metropolitan Police Department patrol cars are getting outfitted with laptop computers to allow officers to perform local and national criminal record checks, receive dispatch calls and submit police reports, according to an MPD release.

MPD said locators are installed on each of the laptops, allowing dispatchers to locate officers anywhere in the city. The technology also gives officers the ability to receive and respond to calls for service without the use of a radio.

Currently, 10 cars have the new laptops. Approximately 200 patrol cruisers will be retrofitted per quarter with the new technology, ultimately installing the laptops in all 800 patrol cars. Cost is about $6,500 per car, said MPD.