Speedway council approves new police handguns and hears staff reports on staffing, vandalism and community programs

The Speedway Town Council on Tuesday approved a purchase to update police handguns and heard department supervisors report on staffing, community programs and public-safety trends.

Police Chief Upchurch told the council the state law-enforcement academy is changing its curriculum to include optics on handguns and recommended replacing the department's firearms rather than retrofitting older models; staff said they would fund the purchase from the motorcycle-equipment fund and trade in old firearms to offset costs. "The optics... make a good shooter better," the chief said, describing faster target acquisition as the primary benefit. The council approved the purchase from Acme Sports Inc. by voice vote (4-0).

Chief Upchurch also said the department graduated a new officer from the NL Law Enforcement Academy and that two conditional offers of employment will be extended to candidates who have completed background checks and psychological screening; those candidates will next undergo medical/fitness testing.

Parks and Recreation director Tammy Smith reported a wave of vandalism at park facilities this spring, including new graffiti in restrooms and damage to shelters. Smith said staff are pursuing better security-camera systems and are planning a community input meeting to consider ordinance updates and prevention strategies. "We need to kind of dissect our ordinances and get community input," Smith said.

Fire Chief Fishburne summarized promotions and April run totals (317 calls in April; roughly 63% EMS). Economic development staff said the new roundabout is complete and a ribbon cutting is set for May 19.

The council heard the reports and approved the weapons purchase; no further action was taken on parks beyond planned community engagement and a staff report on camera upgrades.