(Columbus) The Columbus Police Department sought approval from the city council l to begin the process of implementing an Assigned Vehicle Program (AVP), more commonly known as (quote) a “take home squad program” at a recent committee of the whole meeting.
The purpose behind this proposal is to help aid the Columbus Police Department in the recruiting and retention of quality employees. Alderman Michael Lawson wondered about a residency restriction. Lieutenant Darrell Ward says that would be something that would have to be significantly discussed.
“Obviously we don’t want them driving, you know, many, many, many miles to go to and from home wasting those miles not being in the city,” says Ward.
Ward says he has laid out a map with an approximate 15 mile circle for how far away from the city potential employees could live which could include the City of Waterloo and the Village of Marshall. Lawson also had a question about the LESO program.
“It looks like, and I just wanna confirm I understand this right, that we get free equipment and then a year later we can sell it, and we can keep the funds and do whatever we want with them?”
Lieutenant Ward says that is correct.
“The program is essentially the government’s way of getting rid of excess equipment to police departments and municipalities as a whole are also eligible for the program,” says Ward. “And then once the items that are DEMIL A they call it, which is non-controlled equipment from the military hits a year, the government writes it off their books.”
The lieutenant says at that point, the department can choose to keep the piece of equipment or sell it. If sold, the department would receive any funds. Ward says he would like to get the program started within the next two to three years utilizing funds from the LESO program. After some further discussion, the proposal was moved to the next regular council meeting for a vote.
