Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves alcohol‑tax funding for police technology after monthly report
Summary
The Batesville City Council authorized use of alcohol‑tax funds to support police accreditation technology and accepted the police department’s monthly report, including completion of in‑vehicle computers and plans for remote dispatch messaging.
Police Chief John Scaro reported to the Batesville City Council on monthly operations, citing 131 calls for service for the period and a drop in traffic accidents, and said the department completed installation of in‑vehicle computers and is finishing a remote dispatch messaging feature.
Chief Scaro told council the department needs upgraded phone‑download and forensic tools to complete criminal investigations and pursue accreditation. He estimated the one‑time technology cost at roughly $45,000–$47,000 and said he has not yet received a firm recurring quote for automatic license‑plate‑reader (LPR) units; the recurring estimate discussed in the meeting was unclear.
Councilmember Fred Krug moved and Rob Roberts seconded a motion to allocate alcohol‑tax funds for the police technology request; the motion carried by voice vote. The council also heard that reflective safety vests and a small flashing shoulder beacon device have been purchased for officers and that a related policy will be implemented once equipment is distributed.
The council did not record a roll‑call vote in the meeting transcript; motions carried by the standard voice procedure recorded as "all in favor." The chief said the department will follow up with a detailed cost quote for recurring LPR fees when it becomes available.
