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Council approves police grant applications and purchase of encrypted radios; chief outlines ABC youth‑alcohol enforcement proposal
Summary
Council approved a $100,000 ABC alcohol‑enforcement grant application and an asset‑forfeiture appropriation (~$5,549) to purchase six encrypted Wave radios for the gang unit; both measures passed after council discussion about scope and program use.
The Merced City Council approved two separate public‑safety items March 16: (1) authorization to apply for a $100,000 California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Alcohol Policing Partnership grant focused on education and enforcement to reduce access to alcohol by minors; and (2) a supplemental appropriation of $5,549 from asset‑forfeiture funds to buy six TLK 100 Wave radios for the police gang unit.
Chief Steve Stanfield asked the council to approve the ABC grant application (resolution 2026‑16), saying the reimbursable funds would support inspections, minor decoy operations to prevent underage possession, and public‑education activities. Councilmember Zhang said historically similar grants had been used for DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols, but Chief Stanfield clarified the ABC grant is not a DUI grant and focuses on underage access prevention; the council approved the application with Councilmember Zhang voting no.
For the radio purchase, Sergeant Stephen Odom explained the gang unit’s need for encrypted, push‑to‑talk radios that connect via cellular towers and can interoperate with allied agencies. The package includes a two‑year subscription and charging station; the council approved the appropriation unanimously.
Separately, staff presented a 5‑vote consent item to apply for San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District rebates and to appropriate grant funding for cleaner police vehicles; that resolution passed on a 4–1 vote with Councilmember Zhang opposed.
