The Yazoo City Police Department upgrades its equipment with the recent purchase of patrol rifles and an investigative camera thanks to money collected as seized funds during drug arrests. Police officials said they are appreciative of the city council’s support in the purchases of the “desperately needed equipment.”
The local police department, using seized funds, purchased 22 AR-15 rifles from Black River Precision. The Mississippi-based company provided the lowest and best quote for the patrol rifles at a price of $19,068.52.
The purchase was approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen during the May 12 board meeting with no opposition. During that meeting, Alderman Macklyn Austin did not vote due to his absence.
However, the city council requested a use policy be presented and approved prior to the use of the patrol rifles. Prior to the vote, there were some safety concerns from city leaders.
“In today’s society with the kind of weapons the criminal element has, (our officers) are trying to get up to speed,” said Mayor David Starling, during the May 12 meeting. “However, we would pray to God that nothing ever happens that would involve an officer-involved shooting though. But we should want our police department to be equipped.”
During the May 22 city council meeting, another purchase using seized funds was also approved for the local police department. With no opposition, the city board approved the purchase of one Nikon camera for the police investigation department in the amount of $976.44.
