Township renews and expands law-enforcement agreements and approves license‑plate reader purchases
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Summary
The board approved a multi‑year continuation (with annual renewals) of its interlocal agreement funding deputies and specialty positions with Montgomery County Sheriff—s Office, approved supplemental detective funding for crimes-against-children programs, and authorized early purchase of Flock Safety license-plate readers for strategic installation.
The Woodlands Township reviewed and approved multiple public-safety agreements and purchases at the Dec. 4 meeting, reinforcing the township's largest annual budget priority: public safety.
Karen Dempsey outlined the township's primary interlocal agreement with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, which funds specialized positions and deputies assigned to township boundaries. "In total that is $17,900,000 for this contract," Dempsey said, describing coverage of captains, lieutenants, detectives and a complement of deputies and specialists for 2026. The board approved a second amendment to the interlocal agreement that extends the arrangement under annual budget appropriations.
Directors also approved supplemental agreements that fund detectives assigned to crimes-against-children and internet-crimes investigations through the sheriff's office and the precinct constable's office. Dempsey said the township funds three full-time detectives to assist with Safe Harbor cases and three detectives for internet crimes against children under the constable's agreement.
Chief Deputy Zitzman described the operational advantage of license-plate readers manufactured by Flock Safety, calling them an "incredible force multiplier" that provides investigative leads and deterrence. The board authorized early purchase and installation of up to 30 license-plate readers so units can be active ahead of high-demand months; staff noted procurement timing is tied to lead times and installation windows.
A board motion approved the contract amendments and the early purchase; votes were recorded by voice and the motions carried.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract documents, coordinate deployment and work with county partners on placement, and report back on installation and performance.
