Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights City Council last month approved the acceptance of Bureau of Justice grant to go towards the purchase of ballistic shields for use by the Police Department’s SWAT team.
Ballistic shields are hand-held protective shields designed to stop bullets and are typically equipped with a small viewing window. Law enforcement also utilize clear plastic shields during riots, but such shields offer less protection than the ballistic variety.
Funding from the $24,698 grant will also go towards police staff training, according to a Sept. 9 staff report. Training is associated with compliance with a federally required National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which will replace the current crime reporting practice of Uniform Crime Reporting, the report said.
“This request will support our goal to provide exceptional police services to the community and enhance officer safety,” the staff report said. “By accepting and using grant funds in this manner, the Police Department will purchase the ballistic shields and utilize funds for staff to attend training on NIBRS.”
