Columbus City Council votes to approve purchase of tactical vests, helmets

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Columbus is continuing its commitment to building up its police department and keeping officers safe.

The City Council voted to approve the purchase of tactical vests and helmets for officers.

The additional gear comes at a good time. The department recently revived its SWAT Team, and the vests and helmets will provide a much-needed extra layer of protection.

Chief Joseph Daughtry and the City Council have been working to get the department back up to full strength and keep officers on the force.

Mayor Keith Gaskin said having the necessary equipment goes a long way toward doing that.

“Safety is obviously a top priority for the city, and in many cases, our Police Department has not always, in recent years, had all the equipment that they’ve needed, and we’re trying to make sure we have those things to help keep them safe, and the community as well,” said Gaskin.

The cost of the vests will be just over $40,000. $29,000 of that will be reimbursed through the Mississippi Homeland Security Grant Program.

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