Board authorizes RPD to apply for three-year COPS hiring grant

The police chief reported department statistics for May (including 21 accidents, 312 traffic stops and 1,014 incidents) and noted a K9 handler completed a six-week training. The chief requested board approval to apply for a COPS grant to fund one officer for three years.

Board members discussed timing and budget implications if the city is awarded the grant; one member asked staff to work with finance to ensure the fourth-year cost could be absorbed if needed. The board moved to approve the request to pursue the grant, the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote, and the chief said the city will know whether it received the award in October.

Board members emphasized that application does not guarantee funding and asked police to coordinate with city finance staff on long-term budgeting if an award is made.