Police outline armored upfits, radios and new firearms in 2027 capital ask

The police department presented a bundled 2027 capital request that combines squad car purchases and upfits (lights, radar, MDCs and in-car cameras) to take advantage of hoped-for group discounts from a countywide purchase. The department also asked for a phased radio upgrade tied to a nationwide Phase 2 requirement and listed a $35,000 line to replace outdated handguns and upgrade optics and holsters.

"So that $35,000 is an all encompassing for all new, firearms and weapons," the police presenter said, explaining the purchase would replace aging Gen 3 Glocks and bring equipment to current industry standards. The presenter also said certain radio upgrades were being accelerated because non-upgraded units will not operate once Phase 2 becomes mandatory.

Trustees questioned whether purchases could be split across years, whether trade-ins would offset costs, and whether some equipment could be delayed without compromising public safety. Staff said some items (evidence-room improvements, drones and traffic-calming devices) are planned farther out and could be re-sequenced if needed.