Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Procurement And Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police Chief Abbott outlines squad replacement planning, equipment upgrades and firearm changes
Summary
Chief Abbott told the public safety board there were 139 calls for service for the month, requested permission to plan for purchasing a new squad (targeting late 2026/early 2027), described adding a top-mounted light bar for safety, and said the department switched to 9 mm firearms with red-dot sights; proceeds from selling old weapons will be returned to village funds.
Chief Abbott, the police chief, reported monthly operations and sought the board’s guidance on vehicle procurement and equipment upgrades.
Abbott told the board the department logged 139 calls for service that month and said officers continue to observe a 5-ton weight restriction and speed enforcement on Port Seneca Road.
On fleet needs, Abbott asked the board to consider a plan to purchase a new squad near the end of next year or at the start of 2027. He said two of the department’s squad units need replacement eventually and that some interior equipment (cages, siren boxes) could be reused in a new vehicle. Abbott warned that manufacturers’ build schedules have long lead times and urged early engagement so the village could get on contractor schedules.
“I’m anticipating hoping the board will give me permission to purchase a new squad end of next year or the beginning of 27,” Abbott said, adding he would gather current pricing for an Explorer and a Durango and report back to the board before finalizing budget requests.
Abbott described safety-driven equipment choices: he said adding a top-mounted light bar would be more visible and less distracting than the current interior-mounted lights and explained how some existing lights could be reused while front-mounted fixtures would not be salvageable.
On firearms, Abbott said the department switched caliber (from .40 to 9 mm), adopted red-dot sighting technology for faster target acquisition, and will have a certified Glock armorer (Mason) conduct maintenance and armorer work. Abbott said the six guns currently carried will be sold once replacements are certified and that revenue will go to the village fund. He confirmed the firearm purchases were covered within the existing budget.
Trustees discussed procurement channels (Ewald for vehicles, Belco for outfitting) and village practice of saving funds to smooth future squad purchases. Abbott agreed to provide price estimates before the next meeting to inform whether the purchase should be budgeted this year, next year, or in 2027.
The board then moved to new business and budget-planning steps with administrator follow-up scheduled.
