Decision on Radio Funds Is Expected

County supervisors will decide Tuesday whether to authorize $425,000 to buy hand-held radios for probation officers using the county’s new 800-MHz communication system.

Probation officials said they asked for 102 extra radios to ensure that officers in new and expanded programs can call for help in an emergency.

The county estimated three years ago that the department would need 269 portable radios to use on a new $80-million communication system being installed, said Chief Deputy Probation Officer John Bowater.

Since then, however, the department has doubled work-crew programs for juvenile inmates, added special units targeting domestic violence and other issues, and opened new facilities in juvenile hall and the Theo Lacy Branch Jail, he said.

“These radios are very important safety equipment for my officers,” Bowater said.