Published: Monday, Jun. 29, 2009
Paso Robles Police Department to get $11,700 grant for equipment
Funds will pay out in 2010 and go toward bicycles, electronic ticketing devices
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closeThe Paso Robles City Council has accepted an $11,700 grant to replace old bicycles and buy two new electronic ticketing devices for the Police Department.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which doesn’t require matching funds from the city, will pay out in 2010. The council accepted the grant last week.
The Police Department now has four 15-year-old bicycles, according to city officials. They’re used for downtown patrols and special events such as the Pioneer Day Parade and the California Mid-State Fair.
Police Chief Lisa Solomon said the bikes — made of high-quality, sturdy materials — are a bargain at about $900 each.
Some councilmen questioned the total price of the bikes, which after additions cost about $1,350 each. The bikes need to be outfitted with police equipment such as flashlights, ticket books, satchels and lighting, Solomon said.
The department’s current bike supply has been refurbished as a short-term fix in recent years, she said, and now needs to be replaced.
The electronic ticketing devices are designed to improve efficiency in issuing traffic citations because they link up to state and police department data after swiping a driver’s license. Then, they print out a ticket on site, Solomon said.
Earlier this year, the City Council also approved an approximately $48,300 grant to outfit all officers in the Police Department’s patrol division with Tasers by 2010. About half of the patrol staff has them now.
The money will buy 16 new Tasers, two additional electronic ticketing devices and three patrol vehicle radar units to monitor speeding vehicles.
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