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Alderman seeks records on LESO equipment after finding dozens of vehicles and heavy gear in park
Summary
Alderman Johnson asked the police chief to produce three years of LESO records and titles after inspecting equipment stored near Ridgetop Station Park, saying he was "shocked at what I seen." The board voted unanimously to secure documentation and titles.
Alderman Johnson pressed the mayor and board on Feb. 19 for a detailed accounting of Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) property after finding numerous vehicles and heavy equipment stored at a public site. He said he was "shocked at what I seen," and asked for a full file of every LESO transaction and the titles for the past three years.
The board unanimously approved a motion directing the chief of police to ensure copies of LESO documents — including notes, meeting records held at city hall and vehicle titles — are collected and preserved. Mayor Reasoner and Chief Morris agreed to arrange for a meeting with LESO contact Elbert Baker to review the program's records.
Alderman Johnson described seeing multiple pieces of heavy equipment and vehicles, listing three bulldozers, an earth pan, about six loader/backhoe-type machines, a semi-truck and a crane. He said the quantity and type of equipment raised questions about how assets were obtained and why they were stored at the park.
Chief Morris indicated he would work with city staff to gather records and present them to the board; no further disciplinary or disposal decisions were made at the meeting. The motion did not specify a public release timetable; the board instructed staff to locate and secure existing records and titles for at least the last three years.
Next steps: the chief is to compile LESO paperwork and titles for board review, and the board planned to meet with LESO representative Elbert Baker to clarify past transactions and custody of equipment.
