New police vehicles, a tactical robot and additional security cameras are among 13 items included in the $5.3-million Niagara Regional Police capital budget approved by police services board members for 2023.
Chief Bryan MacCulloch said the bulk of the expenses covers the costs of replacing aging equipment, including $2 million for replacement vehicles, $935,000 in computer network equipment and $475,000 for a robot to be used when police respond to bomb threats.
The budget approved Thursday also includes more than $400,000 to add five more patrol vehicles to the NRP fleet. MacCulloch said police intend to add five vehicles to the fleet in each of the next three years.
“We’re trying to extend the life of our vehicles as much as we can,” said Supt. Richard Frayne, adding police are still waiting for the delivery of vehicles ordered in February.
MacCulloch said police will install 32 new CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras in high-risk areas of the region at a cost of $200,000 from reserve funds, in addition to 30 per cent in funding through a provincial grant.
The cameras, he said, will help increase public safety while aiding police investigations.
The budget includes about $370,000 for what police described as “connected officer” equipment, providing all front-line officers with a mobile device that can be used to file reports, make calls, send emails and access various databases and resources.
“Today’s workforce is increasingly becoming more mobile and applications that were once accessible only in the office are now available in the form of software service on mobile platforms,” MacCulloch said.
