Council hears plan to reallocate funds for police radio replacements; neighborhood-watch changes draw concern
Loading...
Summary
Police requested transferring $785,000 from a records management cash capital account to accelerate a multi-year portable and mobile radio replacement project; neighborhood-watch coordinators said police officers have largely not attended watch meetings since July 1, prompting calls from councilors for restored in-person officer participation.
Police officials told the Common Council they want to redirect $785,000 currently earmarked for a new records management system toward a multi-year project to replace portable and in-vehicle radios citywide, aiming to complete the radio upgrade this year rather than in phases.
The request would consolidate funds to finish the radio replacement program, the department said, because county coordination on the records management system likely will push that project beyond the fiscal year. First Deputy Chief Rich Shaw described the radio replacement as a multi-year project the department wants to accelerate for operational reliability.
Councilors also discussed funding for neighborhood watch activities and how police presence at those meetings has changed. Tony Borelli (identified in the meeting as Director Borelli), who coordinates neighborhood-watch support, told the council that, “Prior to July 1 ... SPD attended just about all of the community meetings. After July 1, the SPD is not attending.” He said he continues to attend meetings, compiles crime reports and forwards concerns to district captains, who have responded to submitted issues.
Several councilors expressed concern that police officers are no longer routinely attending neighborhood meetings, noting the practical effect when victims seek a police response and no officer is present. One councilor said they routinely host up to 30 people at district meetings and urged restoration of officer attendance when possible. Chief Cecil (the police chief referenced in the discussion) explained the absence reflects budget constraints and staffing reductions, noting overtime costs and cadet program cuts have limited the department’s ability to send officers to many community meetings without paying overtime.
The council did not record a final vote on the radio funding transfer during the tentative session. Police staff said they plan to move the radio project forward and to keep councilors informed of scheduling and budget adjustments.
