Council approves replacement of public-safety radios; staff cites federal COPS grant
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Summary
Council authorized funding to replace digital public-safety radios, with staff saying the purchase is mainly funded by a federal COPS grant. Police staff reported an inventory review (about 45 radios historically) and a projected need for roughly 130 handheld radios to cover sworn, reserve and support personnel.
The City Council approved funding to replace digital radios used by public-safety personnel after staff said the project is primarily funded through a federal COPS grant.
Lieutenant Jeff Slater, who manages police technology, briefed the council about inventory and future needs. Slater described a historical inventory of roughly 45 radios and said, given projected staffing levels (including sworn personnel, reserves and support staff), the department projects it will need about 130 handheld radios to equip officers, reserves and other employees who may need radios in an emergency.
Funding and rationale: Council members discussed inventory questions and cost stewardship; Slater said the grant will cover the replacement and that the city has been reviewing inventory to avoid overbuying. The item moved forward without public comment.
Council action: Council approved the purchase by motion; roll call was unanimous.
What's next: staff will proceed with the procurement and inventory updates; the city will coordinate distribution to sworn staff, support personnel and other departments as needed.
