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Keeping up with technology can be an endless challenge, especially for the Clanton Police Department.

However, the CPD took a big step in making sure they stay on track with the technical gains after the Clanton City Council approved the department’s purchase of a mapping station.

According to Clanton Police Chief J.K. Maddox, it will help in the recreation of crime scenes and car accidents.

He equated it to something that people would see if they watched an episode of the TV show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

The mapping station will cost about $9,000.

The CPD has been using similar machines borrowed from other departments and have seen their benefit firsthand.

The station sits on a tripod and maps the area by rotating 360 degrees while scanning the area. The information gathered can then be used to recreate the scene in 2D or 3D form.

According to Maddox, the advanced information will be great for court presentations.

It could also help the Clanton Fire Department in its arson investigations.

The Council also approved to provide Michael Freeman two months leave of absence as he recovers from surgery.

Patrick Christofides resigned from his position with the parks department, and Tyler Abbott was hired to take his place in the full-time position.

The service road behind Adient and Kumi Manufacturing of Alabama will now be named Teer Circle.

The street does not currently have a name associated with it.

According to Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver, the post office and Chilton County 911 will be notified of the change.