Longmont City Council Tuesday night approved two measures aimed at protecting police officers and the public during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Both items were on the council’s consent agenda and earned unanimous approval from members.
The first to gain council backing was an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice for a $82,262 grant to purchase special and protective equipment for Longmont police to use during a coronavirus outbreak.
The equipment to be purchased is:
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Two virtual private network laptops that will enable Longmont Emergency Communication Center managers to log in remotely and update computer-aided dispatch and dispatch 911 calls via Wi-Fi.
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Medical bags for patrol cars for everyday use with personal protective equipment and supplies to help officers and residents.
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Protective coveralls to have a higher level of protection during a “questionable call or death investigation.”
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Laser safety glasses to protect the eyes of officers from laser strikes from large crowds or civil disturbances. And,
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Tactical medical response kits for suspicious events or active shooter situations that include a “a throw kit” with bandages that can be thrown to an injured person who could then potentially stop their own bleeding. In this way, the first responder would have a reduced risk of exposure and can continue to deal with the threat in a “more efficient manner.”
The Longmont Public Safety Department in its grant application said the new equipment was needed to protect officers because of increasing resistance to safer-at-home orders and growing levels of protest.
“Acquiring these items during this time of change will provide the protection needed for our officers and better service for our citizens,” the application stated.
Council members also voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to conduct COVID-19 surveillance testing on wastewater.
Longmont is one of 16 municipalities to take part in the testing, which will be done over a 52-week period with analysis to be performed by Colorado State University and Metropolitan State University.
