Police Department News
A concise monthly briefing for local law enforcement leadership.
September 2026
Industry / Vendor News
Funding
FY26 body-camera grant spending enters its final window
Departments with open awards should confirm procurement, delivery, and installation lead times so they do not push otherwise eligible purchases beyond the grant period.
Fleet
Fleet utility deliveries improve; upfit capacity is still the pinch point
Utility vehicles are arriving sooner in several regions, but partitions, radios, lighting, and body installs continue to add weeks. Agencies are reserving upfit slots before chassis delivery.
Equipment
Vendor watch: departments consolidate battery platforms
Standardizing cordless tools across patrol, facilities, and emergency kits can reduce charger inventory, simplifying replacement stock and interoperability.
Featured Project
A regional evidence room — built once
Three neighboring departments converted a former public works annex into a climate-controlled evidence center. A shared intake standard and barcoded shelving replaced three aging rooms — rather than constructing a new facility.
What made it work
One owner, one evidence policy, and weekly sign-offs from all three departments.
Closed Auction Results
| 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility | $13,900 | 31 bids |
| 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV | $10,250 | 24 bids |
| 2018 Dodge Charger Pursuit | $8,700 | 19 bids |
| 2013 Harley-Davidson FLHP | $7,450 | 28 bids |
| Genetec camera hardware — 26 pieces | $4,100 | 17 bids |
Sample results shown for layout purposes; buyer fees excluded.
Scan QR code for moreClosing Soon Auctions
| 2020 Ford F-150 Utility AWD / 130,300 mi. | PA | Sep 24 |
| 2021 Dodge Durango Pursuit / 49,870 mi. | NJ | Sep 26 |
| 24-ft. mobile command trailer | MD | Sep 28 |
| WatchGuard 4RE systems / lot of 12 | MA | Sep 30 |
| LED lightbar and siren equipment lot | VA | Oct 2 |
Chief Update
Featured Chief
Chief Dana Ruiz / North Valley PD
32 sworn / Pop. 29,400 / 17 years with the department
We stopped treating retired assets as an afterthought. A clean closeout gives the next budget cycle a better start.
Her advice: Photograph vehicles before decommissioning; keep maintenance records with the file.
Scan QR code for moreHiring
Sample listings. Submission details would appear here in the live edition.
Celebrating Retirement
Chief Robert Ellis / Cedar Grove PD
Retired August 2026 / Chief since 2014
After 32 years in law enforcement, Chief Ellis has retired from Cedar Grove Police Department. During his twelve years as chief, he expanded field training, launched a community liaison program, and helped establish a regional evidence partnership.
Next chapter: More time with family, a few long-postponed road trips, and continued service as a volunteer mentor. Thank you, Chief Ellis, for your service.
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