Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coventry council approves police vehicle purchases and continuation of body‑worn camera program
Summary
The council authorized the purchase of two SUVs for the police department (a patrol SUV for $80,435.63 and an administrative SUV for $47,973), to be paid from federal seizure funds, and approved continuation of the body‑worn camera program funded through a state reimbursement grant.
The Coventry Town Council approved three resolutions authorizing purchases and program continuation for the police department.
Resolution 2024‑68 authorized purchase of a Ford Police Patrol Interceptor all‑wheel‑drive SUV for $80,435.63. Police Chief explained the town would use federal seizure funds to pay for the vehicle. When asked, the chief estimated roughly $390,000 would remain in that fund after the purchase.
Resolution 2024‑69 authorized purchase of an administrative police SUV for $47,973, also funded from federal seizure funds, to replace older vehicles (models from roughly 2013–2020). The chief said older vehicles are typically traded in or reassigned within town departments.
Resolution 2024‑70 continued the police department’s body‑worn camera program. The chief said the town pays the costs up front and is reimbursed by a state grant; once reimbursed, the money goes back into impact fees. Councilors asked whether state reimbursement will continue beyond the current five‑year arrangement; the chief said the state has not yet confirmed funding past the next three years and the situation remains uncertain. Council discussed the possibility of setting aside local funds if the state discontinues reimbursement.
All three measures passed by unanimous roll call votes.
