Town marshal reports equipment donations; board approves disposal of obsolete police gear

The town marshal reported to the Medora Town Board that the department responded to 36 calls for service and initiated about 20 traffic stops over the past month and that several equipment donations and system upgrades have arrived. The marshal said handheld barcode scanners and a printer valued at about $2,200 were donated, two tasers were provided by a neighboring department, and a mobile air-conditioning unit was donated for office use.

“The department has installed the electronic crash-reporting and citation systems on our laptops and will begin using the CAD evidence module to document chain of custody,” the town marshal said, adding that the department will train officers on the new systems. He also reported that three heavy metal evidence cabinets—donated by the county prosecutor’s office and each valued at roughly $3,000—will be used to consolidate stored evidence.

The marshal asked the board for formal permission to dispose of worn or obsolete uniforms and nonfunctional equipment, saying that state procedures for disposition and documentation would be followed and that he would provide disposal records to the board. A motion to permit the disposal/transfer of obsolete items was introduced and seconded and carried on a voice vote; the town marshal said he would supply the required documentation.

The board also discussed training costs for a new recruit, Officer Seth Boyd, who completed a required 40-hour pre-basic course. The marshal said the course typically costs about $300 but that the town was charged $50 for the recent session; the officer offered to pay the fee himself, and board members indicated they would consider covering or reimbursing the cost.

The board did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; the motion to authorize disposal was approved by voice vote with ayes audible in the meeting.