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Ruston police outline grant application, camera rollout and two recent firearm incidents
Summary
Police Chief Nestor Bautista told the council the department's Criminal Justice Training Commission application is about 35 pages and expected by September 30; the automated traffic cameras are set to begin a 30‑day warning period July 1. He also reported two recent firearm incidents including an arrest where officers found a Glock with an illegal "Glock switch."
Police Chief Nestor Bautista briefed the Council on several public‑safety matters. He said the department is preparing an application to the Criminal Justice Training Commission tied to the recently adopted public safety sales tax and that the application package is "approximately 35 pages long." Based on current timelines the City expects to submit the application around September 30, 2026, and reminded the Council that officers must complete state‑required training before the City can qualify.
Chief Bautista provided an update on the automated traffic camera program: construction and electrical work have started at some locations, the City is finalizing a contract with a hearing examiner and recruiting a court clerk, and he anticipates the cameras will begin the required 30‑day warning period on July 1, 2026. He said these administrative steps are necessary before citations could be issued.
The chief also described two recent incidents involving firearms. In one, officers arrested a 20‑year‑old driver after observing reckless driving; during a search they found a Glock pistol equipped with an illegal conversion device commonly called a "Glock switch." In a separate incident an individual accidentally shot himself in the leg while carrying a .45‑caliber handgun and drove to the hospital; the department learned of the incident through mandatory reporting by medical personnel.
Chief Bautista characterized these incidents as part of a broader trend of young people unlawfully carrying firearms in the area and provided them as context for ongoing public‑safety work.
