Constable requests $3,200 to outfit deputies with county-issued holsters

Constable Precinct 2 requested a one-time $3,200 appropriation to outfit himself and three deputy constables with department-issued duty holster rigs and magazine pouches, about $800 per officer. The constable said current practice leaves officers buying their own duty rigs and associated equipment and argued county-issued gear would reduce long-term liability and improve hiring and retention.

"I've figured roughly $800 an officer, $3,200," the constable said in his budget presentation, noting the guns are available on an existing buy‑board contract. He told the court that central purchasing would provide uniformity with the sheriff's issued weapons and simplify evidence procedures when firearms are seized in criminal cases.

Commissioners welcomed the request as modest relative to potential liability, but emphasized that other elected constables are not required to participate. "If other constables are interested in doing this, you're open to it. If not, they certainly carry on their business exactly the way they've been doing it," one commissioner said, noting the county controls the purse strings but cannot compel elected officers.

The court asked staff to include contract and procurement details in future agenda materials and indicated any county purchase would be reviewed before final award. No formal motion or vote was recorded at the workshop; the request was discussed as a budget item and will return for formal consideration in a later hearing.