Story Created:
Jun 15, 2009
Story Updated:
Jun 15, 2009
Friday was the day for television stations across the nation to make the switch from analog to digital TV.
But the switch is causing a headache for people all over the country who aren't prepared for the change.
To make the process easier for local residents, Laredo police officers have been assigned to help install converter boxes.
Our Joey Horta has more on this new police beat which has some scratching their heads.
"What’s going on whats happening right now? Why am I not getting any signal? We explain all that."
Four Laredo police officers from the community relations unit are visiting the elerly and disabled at home to set up their tv's to recieve a digital signal.
Officer Albert Escobeda says its not a waste of time for police to be doing this instead of upholding the law.
"We felt that we needed to be involved with this project because incase of an emergency or natural disaster, how are the elderly or disabled people going to get their information? They're going to get it through the tv."
The chief of police got permission from the city manager's office to allow officers to travel outside of Laredo city limits and out of their jurisdiction to assist Webb county residents including those in El Cenizo and Rio Bravo.
For help tv owners have to get on a list by calling 3-1-1.
Linda Tays is the supervisor of the call center.
"If they can provide an antenna that would be a little bit easier process for the officers. The officers are not installing the antennas just the installation of the converter box."
Officers like Luis Gutierrez are spending about 45 minutes on the average stop which includes a lesson on running the d-t-v remote.
"Explain to them exactly how to go about it to lessen the problems they may have."
A problem that taxpayers are paying for.
With officers working on the clock for an assignment they never imagined they would be doing.
"No. Never. Never as a matter of fact the people when they show up to their houses they're a little bit surprised when they see police officers doing this type of work."
Laredo police officers have been installing converter boxes for people since March.
So far they've done over one hundred and twenty of them.
To get them to your house you can call 3-1-1 to get on the list.
Only the elderly and disabled qualify for assistance.
