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Newton County approves intent to apply for state homeland security funds for sheriff
Summary
The Newton County Commissioners approved a motion to apply for Texas SHSP/UASI funds to purchase equipment for the sheriff's department; commissioners described the technology as capable of statewide license-plate queries and noted privacy concerns.
Newton County Commissioners voted to approve the county’s intent to apply for Texas State Homeland Security Program and Urban Area Security Initiative grants to support the sheriff’s department.
The court approved a motion to seek SHSP/UASI funding for hardware and equipment intended to assist sheriff’s operations. Officials said the grants are no-match, fully reimbursable awards and did not commit local matching funds at the meeting.
One commissioner described the system demonstrated in Waco as "a little bit of big brother" but acknowledged its benefits in cases such as child abduction or kidnapping because it can return license-plate numbers across Texas. The motion to approve the application effort was made by Commissioner Panel and seconded by Commissioner Benson; the court voted in favor.
The motion authorizes the county to pursue an application; specific equipment requests, award amounts and procurement steps were not finalized at the meeting and will be determined if and when funding is offered.
