LACIE SILVA
Editor
Chief Boyd of the Whitwell Police Department presented his report and proposed updates to the department, resulting in mixed outcomes. Two requests successfully passed, but one failed to pass with a majority vote.
Chief Boyd successfully secured a $20,000 grant, a significant increase from the previous year’s $5,000 award. Chief Boyd announced that $10,000 of the grant would be allocated for officer overtime, while the remaining $10,000 would fund the iSOMS reporting system.
iSOMS is a comprehensive software for managing jail records, court cases, and other essential law enforcement tasks, with the ability to integrate countywide reports, improving communication and awareness of incidents across the region. The server for iSOMS will be housed at the sheriff’s office. When Mayor Crabtree inquired about the grant’s nature, Chief Boyd clarified that it was not a matching grant, but would be one where the department initially covers costs and after submitting receipts every quarter would be reimbursed. The board unanimously approved the grant.
The board also addressed the renewal of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, likened to paying for a domain name, which costs less than $200 for five years. Chief Boyd reassured the board that the city would not bear this cost, as the state would cover it. The department will apply yearly for the grant to ensure continuous coverage without city expenditure.
Another update involved switching from AT&T to Verizon for department communications, saving $100 per month. The new Verizon contract, which includes internet hotspots for officers, will allow them to work more efficiently in the field. This two-year contract was unanimously approved by the board. However, the proposal to update vehicle graphics sparked debate.
Chief Boyd argued that visible patrol car graphics serve as a crime deterrent and aid in identifying officers, especially for visitors or tourists who might need assistance. He had secured a quote of $650 per car for new graphics from Volunteer Tent in Chattanooga.
While Chief Boyd emphasized the importance of marked vehicles for public safety, board member, Commissioner Dillion, opposed the idea, believing that the presence of a patrol car should not be necessary for people to follow the law.
Commissioner Adams acknowledged both perspectives, noting the pros and cons of marked versus unmarked vehicles. The board discussed the possibility of leaving some vehicles unmarked while updating others, but the proposal to update four vehicles with new graphics resulted in a tie in a roll call vote. This vote included Mayor Crabtree and Commissioner Adams voting in favor, and Nunley and Dillion voting against. Chief Boyd was told that the proposal may be revisited at a later date but at this time failed to pass with a majority vote.
