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Police propose vehicle, camera and radio upgrades; grant caveat raises data-sharing question
Summary
The police representative outlined plans to replace a patrol vehicle with a 4x4 Tahoe, expand Main Street camera coverage and replace portable radios; the department noted eligibility for a state technology grant but said the grant may require sharing camera data with the state.
The police representative (S7) told the Board that recent storms exposed limitations in the patrol fleet and proposed diversifying vehicle types by replacing a patrol car with a Chevy Tahoe with 4x4 capability to improve winter response. S7 said the replaced vehicle accumulates both high mileage and heavy idle hours typical of emergency vehicles.
S7 also proposed expanding fixed camera coverage along Main Street to eliminate blind spots. The first phase was described as five multi-angle camera locations (roughly equivalent to nine added cameras across five mounts) with an initial estimate in the materials of about $96,000; S7 said the project would be rolled out in phases and could later expand along North and South Broadway corridors.
On radios, S7 said portable radios are approaching the end of their useful life and recommended replacing roughly 25 units, with a target of 30 to have spares. The county provided loaner units for field testing; S7 reported positive initial results.
S7 noted a new state law-enforcement technology grant with up to $125,000 available but cautioned that accepted grants might require sharing camera data with the state, which the department would have to consider in any procurement or contract acceptance. Trustees asked about operations, maintenance and whether the cameras are AI-monitored; S7 said cameras are not AI-monitored and are typically reviewed only as needed for investigations.
Next steps: staff will refine cost estimates and clarify grant terms including data-sharing requirements before the Board approves procurement or borrowing.
