Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Redevelopment commission approves equipment transfer to help buy squad cars and replace outdated tasers
Summary
The commission approved a transfer to the city equipment fund after a presentation by Chief Andrew McIntyre outlining plans to buy 10 fully outfitted patrol interceptors and replace obsolete tasers with newer Axon devices; McIntyre said part of the taser purchase was already covered with seizure funds and local contributions.
Chief Andrew McIntyre of the Valparaiso Police Department briefed the Redevelopment Commission on Feb. 12 about vehicle purchases and a department taser replacement before the commission approved a transfer to the city equipment fund.
McIntyre said the department stretched funds last year by buying Chevy Equinoxes for administrative and detective use, allowing purchase of more vehicles overall. He told the commission the department maintains a six‑year rotation for patrol vehicles and plans to purchase 10 new, fully outfitted police interceptors this year.
"We're looking at approximately fully outfitted at $65,004.10 … compared to the Equinox of about $37,007.40," McIntyre said, describing differences in equipment and expected trade‑in values.
McIntyre also described replacing obsolete tasers (some in service for 18–20 years) with the Taser 10. He estimated the cost for 65 units at about $310,869 (roughly $4,782.61 apiece). He said the department applied $40,000 of seizure money toward the order and requested remaining funds from commissioners and local sources.
"We believe it's going to protect our officers, protect our citizens, and potentially save lives as well," McIntyre said of the new device, adding that newer models include activation warnings, laser aiming and multiple‑shot capacity.
Commissioners asked technical questions — who monitors security cameras (police monitored through rapid response), whether Equinoxes were intended for patrol (they are not), and how taser cartridges and multiple shots change tactics. McIntyre said patrol cars must be pursuit‑rated interceptors for emergency response; Equinoxes were purchased for non‑patrol administrative and detective use to save money.
After discussion the commission moved to approve the transfer from RDC funds to the city equipment fund. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
What comes next: Staff will proceed with the funding transfer and coordinate with the police department on final purchase details and any required reporting.
