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Police department rolls out body cameras, red-dot sights and plans training amid staffing push
Summary
New Lebanon police reported new firearms with red-dot sights, tasers, near-operational body cameras and radio-system cost savings; officials said they are hiring and will add part-time officers, and announced community events including 'Cookies with the Cop.'
Police officials briefed the New Lebanon Village Council on Dec. 2 about recent equipment upgrades, staffing needs and community engagement plans.
A police official told council the department is moving to red-dot sights on patrol firearms, has deployed tasers and has body cameras operational pending one data cord to enable automated cloud downloads. "Tasers and the body cams are up and running. We're just waiting on 1 data cord so that way they can be automatically downloaded," the official said, describing the system and a phone app that allows near-instantaneous review.
Officials also said the department has reduced recurring radio-maintenance costs by removing obsolete portable radios from the MARC multi-agency communications system and expects further savings. Staffing remains a concern: speakers said the department is down roughly one full-time position and is hiring part-time officers to fill gaps while maintaining training standards.
Council members and residents praised officers’ visibility in school zones and community outreach. Police announced several upcoming community events, including 'Cookies with the Cop' at the firehouse (Sunday, 2–4 p.m.) and a Santa parade on a fire truck (Sunday, 5–7 p.m.).
Council did not take formal action on public safety staffing or equipment funding at the meeting; staff said they will continue hiring efforts and return with any requests for appropriation.
