Select Board accepts highway safety grant to buy two in-car radar units

The Town of Candia Select Board voted March 9 to accept a highway safety grant to help buy two new in-car radar units for the police fleet.

Chair moved to accept the grant "in the amount of $4,372.50," and the motion was seconded and approved by the board. Lieutenant described the equipment choice as newer technology with front-and-back scanning and less interference than the department's older units.

"If there's a car flying up behind you, it will show that car's speed coming up behind you," the lieutenant said, describing how the Eagle 3 units can detect a trailing vehicle's speed as well as the vehicle in front.

The lieutenant told the board the grant would cover 75 percent of the radar cost and that the department has identified the local match in the budget. He said the grant award was an amendment to previously accepted highway safety funding and that the town would provide the required matching funds.

Board discussion focused on ensuring the small required match is available in the town budget; a board member noted the budget can accommodate the $1,457.50 match the lieutenant cited. The motion passed and the board authorized staff to accept the grant and proceed with purchase planning.

The board also heard routine police statistics and other department updates during the meeting. The Select Board said staff will follow up on equipment procurement and training requirements before deployment.