The Eufaula Police Department has been approved for a federal $13,642.74 grant, funds being distributed to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The Eufaula Police Department has been approved for a federal $13,642.74 grant, funds being distributed to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The money will come from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program.
This grant will fund 100% of the cost for the following items:
1. PPE Gloves: The department has exhausted all but two boxes of PPE gloves. These are critical for reducing contact with the public when handling driver licenses, documents, etc. and to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19 in performing law enforcement activities.
2. Individual Handheld Printers: Currently we have 4 handheld printers, which are shared between 9 police officers. Due to the insufficient number, the officers have to share the printers and trade-off between shifts. By purchasing 5 more printers, we can ensure that each officer maintains their personal printer (just like every other piece of the uniform/equipment) to help eliminate the chance of crossover/spread of COVID-19 in performing law enforcement activities.
3. Secondary Desktop Computer: Generally two officers are on duty at a time. The officer’s room has one computer that the officers all share. By purchasing a second computer and placing it at least six feet away from the current one, it will help eliminate the chance of crossover/spread of COVID-19 in performing law enforcement duties.
4. Video Conferencing – Court and Training: The proposed system includes a display monitor, video camera, microphones, audio, accessory cables, mobile media cart, and desktop computer to support the system. This system will have dual purposes:
a. For municipal court, currently inmates are transported from the County jail to municipal court. That transfer creates unnecessary risk for the spread of COVID-19. The County jail has a system equipped for inmates to attend trial through video conferencing, but the City does not have the equipment to utilize that option.
b. With COVID-19, many law enforcement trainings were initially cancelled, but are now being offered through virtual training. We currently use iPads for individuals, but do not have an option for group training events. By having the video conferencing system, the group can be spaced out in a room while participating in the virtual training class.
GRANT DISCLAIMER: This grant provides 100% of the funding for the above purchases. This is a reimbursement grant, so the City must first purchase the equipment with City funds, but then the grant will reimburse 100% of that cost.
