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Kingston briefed on Luzerne County proposal to share costly police services; town’s annual cost listed at $5,000
Summary
Town of Kingston officials reviewed a Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office plan to form a commission for shared police services and equipment (SWAT, drones, accident reconstruction, digital evidence analysis, computer voice stress analysis); Kingston’s annual commitment would be $5,000 and Kingston PD would provide digital evidence analysis and CVSA capability.
Town of Kingston officials on Oct. 20 reviewed a Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office proposal to create a countywide commission for shared police services and equipment, an initiative the administrator said would let smaller departments access costly tools without buying them outright.
Administrator Sondra Riviello told council the draft agreement would pool resources for services including SWAT support, drones, accident reconstruction, digital evidence analysis and computer voice stress analysis; the cost to Kingston was listed at $5,000 per year. Riviello said Kingston Police Department would provide the digital evidence analysis and the computer voice stress analysis capability as part of the shared arrangement.
Harry Mattern, the Municipality’s solicitor, who attended the group’s initial meeting, described the technology as significant, saying "the technology Kingston will be buying into is astounding." Riviello and Mattern both told council they view the proposal as a strong value proposition for a small municipality that otherwise could not afford specialized equipment and services.
Riviello said a financial commitment figure has been provided to council and that the draft resolution to memorialize participation was circulated. The minutes do not record a vote on the proposal during the Oct. 20 work session.
The item will be considered further by council as officials review costs and legal details; Riviello said labor-relations and legal counsel will review contract language as part of the process.
