A technology upgrade proposal for the Washington Police Department was approved during the recent city council meeting.

Police Chief Jim Lester presented further requested details on a quote to purchase new body cameras for each police officer with one spare for the part-time officers, five in-car video systems, a multi-bay docking station, first year software/storage of video, one-time deployment fee and other features. The total cost for the first year is about $38,944. Lester originally requested a portion of this package at the first December council meeting, citing issues with their current cameras’ outdated technology and cost for replacement, and poor video quality compared to that of the sheriff’s office’s system, which he is requesting now. Finance Director Kelsey Brown updated the council on how they can pay for this purchase. The proposal appears to meet the requirements of their American Rescue Plan Act funds, of which this would be 3.6% of the city’s total allocation, and a “good use of one-time funds.” Another option is using Local Option Sales Tax funds, of which 50% is designated for public safety. The council’s motion to approve the proposal included that they take action on which funds to use at their next meeting.