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Forest Hills authorizes police vehicle purchase, sergeant testing and new body cameras
Summary
The council authorized Civil Service testing for sergeant promotions and approved up to $75,000 for a 2025 hybrid police vehicle and up to $40,000 for new body cameras contingent on a $28,000 county grant; council also ratified plans for an $8,000 fleet EV charger.
Forest Hills Borough Council approved a series of public safety purchases and personnel steps at its Aug. 21 meeting, including Civil Service testing for sergeant vacancies and equipment purchases for the police department.
Council authorized the Civil Service Commission to conduct testing for the sergeant position. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.
On equipment, council approved purchase and upfitting of a 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid police vehicle at a cost not to exceed $75,000 from the general fund. Council members discussed future electric vehicle purchases and noted the ideal electric model is not immediately available; the possibility of placing the borough on a manufacturer waiting list was raised.
Council also authorized the purchase of body-worn cameras not to exceed $40,000 subject to receipt of a $28,000 grant from the county. Chief Williams indicated the department will proceed when grant funds are received.
The council earlier ratified the purchase and installation of a fleet EV charging station at a cost not to exceed $8,000 to support the borough’s move toward electrifying police vehicles.
Quotes: Chief Williams warned drivers about school-bus safety and enforcement, saying a lot of buses now "have camera systems so when their stop sign is retracted from the bus there's a camera that automatically turns on and it will get the license plate of the vehicle." Mayor Porco and President Martin both praised recent volunteer work on the bandshell but were not part of the equipment motions.
Ending — Motions in this package were approved by voice vote. Staff were directed to proceed with procurement and to monitor grant receipt for the body-camera purchase.
