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Police chief urges grants for vehicles, body cameras and department remodel
Summary
Mabton’s police chief told the council the department has applied for capital grants for a remodel and equipment, highlighted lacks in vehicles and body cameras, and asked for council support to secure funds and staffing.
Police Chief Soto reported that the department submitted two grant applications: a capital-project grant to remodel the police department (including re-asphalting and new security fencing) and a second grant application for equipment such as vehicles, body cameras and tasers. The chief said the department lacks body cameras and adequate vehicles, and noted maintenance costs for aging vehicles had been high.
Chief Soto said the department needs help to maintain coverage and replace outdated equipment. He said one returning officer (scheduled to finish the academy in March) will not have a patrol car assigned under current resources. Council members expressed support and urged staff to pursue available grant funding. The chief said he had already followed up on requested clarifications from a funder and was optimistic about moving forward if grants are awarded.
Council discussion connected the department’s equipment needs to broader budget and staffing decisions; members urged grant-seeking and reaffirmed support for equipping the department.
