The Buffalo Township Supervisors voted to approve a program to upgrade equipment for the police department.
The supervisors voted unanimously to approve a five-year contract with Axon, an Arizona-based public safety equipment manufacturer.
Police Chief Timothy Derringer said Axon will be updating the department’s Tasers, the non-lethal weapons that emit an electric shock. Also, it will be provide body-worn video cameras for the police department’s 11 officers and video cameras for the six police vehicles.
Derringer said both types of cameras will be the first used by the department.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
The cost of the program will be $150,000, paid out over the five-year contract term, he said.
According to Derringer, some of that cost will be paid through a grant from the office of Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger and donations to the department from the Sarver Veterans Club and the White Star Society.
“It’s a win for everyone in my opinion,” Derringer said, noting that the program will help improve police services and provide the department with video backup in regard to liability claims.
He said the cameras generally have a life of two-and-a-half to three years, and the program will enable them to be replaced once.
As for when the equipment will be put into service, Derringer said, “I would say sometime in August is a good ‘live’ date.”
Supervisors Chairman Ron Zampogna said the three funding sources Derringer mentioned are just those that are committed. Township officials hope more will get on board.
“I know he is trying to get more donations from businesses in the township,” he said and added that the chief is also hoping to obtain some grants from the state.
“(The township is) going to fully commit to whatever is not covered,” Zampogna said.
Asked if that might require a tax increase, he said, “Absolutely not.”