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Ithaca council accepts $75,000 Homeland Security grant for police tactical gear over public objections
Summary
The Ithaca Common Council voted 7–4 to accept a $75,000 grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to purchase tactical equipment for the Ithaca Police Department after a lengthy public-comment period and council questioning about drones, data sharing and deployment protocols.
The Ithaca Common Council on April 8 voted 7–4 to accept a $75,000 grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to fund tactical equipment for the Ithaca Police Department.
The vote followed more than two hours of public comment and a detailed question-and-answer session with police leadership. Dozens of speakers during public comment urged the council to reject the grant, saying such equipment would further militarize the department and raise civil‑liberties and safety concerns. "Are you trying to be Republicans now?" resident Cassie Markland said, challenging the council's willingness to accept the funding. Anne Johnson, citing a February incident she said involved a disabled resident called Tam, asked why body‑camera footage…
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