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Public safety committee accepts grant and authorizes purchase of seven tasers; buys a pursuit vehicle
Summary
The committee approved purchase of a Dodge Durango pursuit vehicle and authorized accepting a Criminal Justice Authority grant ($15,000) to offset a multi-year program to acquire rechargeable tasers, training and accessories for seven officers; members debated training, device lifespan and liability before voting to proceed.
The Red Bud public health and safety committee approved two equipment actions: the purchase of a Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicle (vehicle-only bid) and authorization to accept a partially funded Criminal Justice Authority grant to purchase seven less‑lethal tasers and associated training.
John (presenting) reviewed four vendor quotes for tasers and training. The original grant offer covered five tasers fully, but the funding was reduced; the Criminal Justice Authority will front $15,000 and the city would cover the remaining payments per the vendor schedule (presentations included options with five or seven tasers and an optional virtual‑reality simulator). John said the department has seven full-time officers and recommended buying seven tasers to outfit the whole department; he noted a roughly five‑year device lifespan and vendor support tied to that replacement cycle.
Committee members asked about training, swap-out for part‑time officers, battery life and liability. John said vendors include rechargeable batteries that should reduce recurring battery purchases and that the grant package included training for five officers and options to certify additional trainers locally. On liability, staff explained that vendor warranties and training provisions are part of the product support and that insurance would be engaged for liability questions rather than the city handling litigation in-house.
After discussion about the match percentage and budget timing (the grant front pays, with city outlays deferred under the vendor payment schedule), a motion passed authorizing staff to accept the grant and to proceed with purchasing seven tasers under the proposed payment structure (vendor total ~ $36,240 before taxes; exact vendor quote and tax treatment were reviewed in the packet). The committee also approved buying a Dodge Durango pursuit vehicle as budgeted; equipment installation will occur before the vehicle enters service in early next year.
The motions were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff will file the necessary grant paperwork and place procurement items on the city council agenda when required.
