Harlingen approves $86,760 Lexipol subscription with forfeiture funds after debate over cost and liability

The Harlingen City Commission authorized the police department to use $86,759.92 in federal forfeiture funds to purchase a 12‑month Lexipol policy and training subscription, which staff said will centralize policies, training acknowledgements and certain internal‑affairs and reporting tools.

Police Chief Alfredo Alvear told the commission the subscription will help keep policies current, provide legally vetted, state‑specific policies and centralize multiple platforms (training tracking, internal‑affairs reporting, citizen complaints). "We don't want to be that department that misses that one legal item that gets us into trouble," the chief said, describing the service as backed by professional legal representation.

Commissioner Lopez questioned whether the recurring subscription—especially paid from forfeiture funds—was the best use of approximately $86,000 per year and asked if staff could instead hire counsel to produce policies and update them less frequently. "This may not be the best use of that money," Lopez said, citing cost and suggesting possible in‑house alternatives.

Other commissioners and staff argued that Lexipol offers legal immunization benefits in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 litigation, integration of multiple functions, and recurring legislative updates pushed to clients. Staff noted the implementation cost would drop to roughly $55,000 recurring and that consolidating platforms could yield savings over time.

After discussion and requests for periodic reporting on results, the commission voted to approve the purchase. The motion carried with a recorded unanimous vote.