The Colleyville Police Department presented a proposal for its fiscal year 2019-20 Crime Control and Prevention District budget to City Council at its July 16 meeting. The department also shared a proposal to invest in a $92,200 body camera program, which is not included in the proposed fiscal year 2020 CCPD budget.
There are existing funds that can be used for this camera program, said Assistant Police Chief Hillary Wreay, who gave the presentation.
“The police department is requesting permission to implement a body camera program for all Colleyville police officers,” Wreay said. “We think it’s an important tool to ensure accountability and agency transparency. With [council’s] approval, we’re planning implementation for FY 2020, sometime after October.”
As for the CCPD budget, city staff projects to see about $2.1 million in revenue and a nearly equal amount in expenditures for FY 2020, according to city documents.
CCPD funds are used to pay for public safety initiatives, personnel and equipment, according to Texas statutes. It comes from 0.5% of the sales tax rate.
The proposed FY 2020 budget would be used to fund several new initiatives, including two new positions and a vehicle, officer training and new software systems.
A new sergeant would act as a needed additional supervisor to ensure the department is sufficiently managed, Wreay said. A part-time accreditation coordinator will be needed to help Colleyville achieve national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
“This is a rigorous, multiyear process and will take dedicated attention to accomplish and maintain,” Wreay said.
Funds will also be used to focus on leadership development training for senior staff and de-escalation and crisis intervention training for sworn personnel.
The police department also requested a new software system to improve investigative capabilities and an early warning system to identify officers who may be having problems that may interfere with their duties, Wreay said.
“Early warning systems are standard across this industry and [are] also required for CALEA accreditation,” she said.
Colleyville is also working with the cities of Keller, Southlake and Grapevine to replace their joint computer-aided dispatch and records management system. The cities feel like they have outgrown the current system, Wreay said.
The budget would also pay for ongoing initiatives, including equipment replacements, officer salaries and benefits and existing public safety programs and services.
“I’m supportive of everything you’ve got in the budget,” Mayor Richard Newton said.
It was the budget’s first reading by City Council, and no action was taken. A vote is expected to take place at the next meeting, which is Aug. 6.
Council members also expressed support for the body camera program.
The purchase of the equipment will require council approval and will take place at a later meeting, Colleyville Community Relations Specialist Erin Spicer said in an email.