Council approves bullet proof vest grant, expenditure for dispatcher chairs

September 12, 2001
Santa Paula City Council

The cop on the streets are wearing protection from bullets while dispatchers will be heading off back problems and possible accidents with approval actions by the City Council at the Aug. 20 meeting.

The Santa Paula Police Department was seeking approval to accept Bureau of Justice Assistance Bullet Proof Vest Grant funds of up to $11,645 to reimburse the city for 48 already purchased vests, according to the report by Commander Mark Hanson. The grant will fund about 50 percent of the cost as long as the vests meet the program?s exacting guidelines for the safety gear.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe cop on the streets are wearing protection from bullets while dispatchers will be heading off back problems and possible accidents with approval actions by the City Council at the Aug. 20 meeting.The Santa Paula Police Department was seeking approval to accept Bureau of Justice Assistance Bullet Proof Vest Grant funds of up to $11,645 to reimburse the city for 48 already purchased vests, according to the report by Commander Mark Hanson. The grant will fund about 50 percent of the cost as long as the vests meet the program?s exacting guidelines for the safety gear.The approved vests were purchased from Armacel Corporation of Camarillo.
Dispatchers spend long hours in their chairs handling 911 emergency calls; although $6,000 is included in the recommended 2001-2002 budget for the chairs, Cmdr. Hanson requested that the council give approval for the purchase now.?The majority of chairs in the Police/Fire 911 Emergency Dispatch Center have deteriorated to the point that they are a liability to the city for health and safety reasons,? reported Cmdr. Hanson. ?Staff has been researching chair designs and funding sources for the past seven months.?Although the expenditure for chairs is included in the recommended 2001-2002 budget, it is ?currently under review and may not be approved until October or later.?A lack of past funding has delayed the purchase, ?However, it is staff?s opinion that postponing the purchase any longer creates a liability for health and safety reasons due to the condition of the existing chairs and the long hours the dispatchers must sit in them during their respective shifts.?Dispatchers must remain seated at the communications center for most of their shift except for meal and short breaks.



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