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Police request ballistic shields, new rifles and crash-reconstruction tools in CIP planning
Summary
The Wausau Police Department asked the committee to budget for 10 ballistic shields ($60,000), a future purchase of 50 replacement rifles with suppressors (budgeted for 2027), and updated crash-reconstruction equipment (about $60,000) to replace aging gear.
Police leaders presented three separate equipment requests for CIP consideration: replacement ballistic shields, updated patrol rifles with suppressors and new crash-reconstruction measurement equipment.
Captain Ben Graham told the committee the department currently has five ballistic shields, of which two are beyond the manufacturer's recommended lifespan and only three are rated for today's long-gun calls. The department proposed buying 10 certified, ballistic-rated shields and said the quoted total was $60,000.
On rifles, staff said the current fleet includes 47 rifles acquired in 2008 and 2017; the department asked the committee to plan for about 50 newer rifles with suppressors in 2027. Presenters said suppressors reduce hearing risk for officers and that the department deploys rifles in marked and unmarked cars so the proposed purchase would equip squad vehicles and detectives.
Crash reconstruction equipment is also aging; the department said it currently borrows or shares equipment with the Wisconsin State Patrol but would like to replenish its own gear to ensure timely access. The request for updated measurement equipment was presented at about $60,000.
Committee members asked about phasing large equipment purchases to avoid simultaneous expiration of all items; presenters agreed a multi-year approach could help with budgeting and training uniformity. The committee accepted the requests for CIP scoring; no procurement votes were taken at the July 21 meeting.
Why it matters: the equipment supports officer safety, evidence gathering and courtroom-ready crash diagrams. Replacement and standardization affect training, deployment and ongoing public-safety readiness.
