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Council approves ShotSpotter renewal and multiple police grants totaling roughly $700,000 in incoming funds
Summary
Fort Myers council approved a three-year $868,000 ShotSpotter renewal and several grant-funded budget amendments, including a DOJ vest grant and FDOT teen-safety funding, which city officials said are driving improved response and services.
The Fort Myers City Council on Jan. 5 approved a series of police-related budget actions and contract renewals, including a three-year $868,000 renewal of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection subscription and multiple grant-based budget amendments for vests and safety programs.
City documents and staff presentations listed a total of roughly $700,000 in grant awards or recognized revenue across several items; the meeting included a specific resolution to establish budget authority for a DOJ vest grant (50% federal match) and FDOT Teen Highway Safety Initiative funding of $80,000. Deputy Chief Meeks told the council the technologies and grants have contributed to reductions in gun violence and faster response times: "The fastest I've seen is less than less 11 seconds," he said, describing ShotSpotter's ability to detect gunfire and cue responding units.
Council approved the ShotSpotter renewal (SoundThinking Inc.) by voice vote without opposition. Officials framed the funding moves as investments to improve crisis response, de-escalation, and community policing efforts through a mix of federal grant dollars and local matches.
