Spending for Police Equipment Approved
The City Council this week voted unanimously to spend $84,000 in state funds provided for new police equipment.
Paul Ratchford, Dana Point’s chief of police services, said the money will be used to buy three laser radar guns, two patrol cars and mobile data terminals for the police cars.
Some $10,000 of the state aid will be used to renovate and consolidate the police services offices so that all personnel and functions are at one location in the City Hall complex, Ratchford said.
“I’m pleased we got additional money from the state,” Councilwoman Judy Curreri said.
In July, the Legislature passed a bill creating the Citizens Option for Public Safety program, which allocated $100 million statewide for law enforcement services.
A total of $8.1 million of those funds are expected to be distributed among Orange County’s 31 cities and unincorporated areas.
City officials anticipate they will receive the new law enforcement funds in October.
Resident Joanna Paoli told the council that police in Dana Point deserve the council’s support.
“This department does one heck of a good job,” she said.
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