Police records system, firearms purchases approved
STURGIS - The city commission approved two purchases for the Sturgis Department of Public Safety Feb. 28.
The public safety department requested a new records management system after its recent network has had "critical failures" and "significant challenges." After discussion, the commission approved the expenditure of $30,464, and for services from Core Technology for 18 months of service of the Talon Incident Management System.
Public Safety Director Ryan Banaszak told the commission the ongoing failures in the ALERT software system being used had the potential "to put criminal cases in jeopardy due to chain of custody issues with the property management function and an inability for supervisors and administrators to appropriately track, review, and monitor the cases being handled by the department."
Over the last 11 years, the department made "every effort to remain with the ALERT software as it was paid for through the 911 millage and provided at zero cost to the city, officials said. In speaking with other law enforcement agencies in St. Joseph County who have previously left ALERT, staff found that a majority of them were using the Talon Incident Management System software.
The city commission also approved a $57,683 firearms purchase from Acme.
The police division has also reached the end of its 8-year replacement cycle for department firearms. As part of the replacement process, the division selects a standard primary and backup handgun as well as a standard patrol rifle.
Since 2011, the city has purchased firearms for the department with an option for officers to own their own firearm, repaying the city the cost of firearms either directly or as part of a one-year payroll deduction program.
In preparation for the regularly scheduled replacement of firearms, police staff have been examining and evaluating several options to ensure officers are equipped with the safest and most reliable firearms available. In the last eight years, Banaszak said, there have been significant advancements in pistol technology, with many enforcement agencies moving to a red dot-type optic mounted to their pistols.
That technology, previously reserved for patrol rifles, allows for better situational awareness, more accurate shot placement and quicker target acquisition.
To meet departmental needs, staff recommended the purchase of 24 duty pistols, 18 backup pistols and 19 patrol rifles. That course of action provides a duty pistol for each officer with two in reserve and equips each officer with a backup pistol and patrol rifle if they choose.
Staff also recommended continuing with the officer firearm purchase/payroll deduction program in place since 2011. In speaking with department staff, all but three officers would choose to purchase their own firearms through a payroll deduction program, saving the city around $47,821. The officers who choose to not purchase their own would be issued department-purchased firearms. After officer purchases, the total impact on the department budget is estimated to be less than $2,000.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Police records system, firearms purchases approved
