Belton police department (BPD) identified essential equipment needs to meet the goals of its strategic plan for its safety, and crime prevention efforts throughout the city of belton and the…

The Belton Police Department (BPD) was awarded a $374,000 Project Grant from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Congressionally Recommended Awards program (CFDA 16.753). The grant will fund upgrades to public safety equipment to enhance first responders' efforts to prevent crime and increase community safety in Belton, Texas.

Specifically, grant funds will support replacing outdated radios and software, adding a traffic speed trailer and license plate reader, providing honor guard and tactical team equipment upgrades, and purchasing body-worn cameras and a use of force simulator. The equipment upgrades aim to meet the goals of BPD's strategic plan by promoting officer safety, crime prevention, and community outreach in the city of Belton and surrounding Bell County. The award period is from March 15, 2022 through March 31, 2025.

Belton police department (BPD) identified essential equipment needs to meet the goals of its strategic plan for its safety, and crime prevention efforts throughout the city of belton and the surrounding area. With the city of belton located at the intersections of three major thoroughfares, IH-35, IH14, and state highway 317, BPD recognizes its central location increases the need to enhance officer safety, promote crime prevention, and provide community outreach to minimize crime and serve the belton community. The project funding would support upgrades to public safety equipment, provide crime prevention, and enhance community outreach, including: replace radios and software that are outdated add a traffic speed trailer and license plate reader provide honor guard uniforms and equipment provide taser equipment upgrades provide tactical team (SWAT) equipment upgrade body-worn cameras and the use of force simulator upgrades to ensure accountability. The equipment and upgrades will enhance its first responders' efforts to prevent crime and increase the safety of the community. Project beneficiaries will be residents and visitors in the city of belton and bell county.