El Paso Police Department Getting Half A Million Dollars For New Police Units

As part of the tax hike approved by El Paso city council on Tuesday, the El Paso Police Department will be getting $500,000 in “equipment replacement” funds.

“It’ll mostly be used for vehicles,” said rep. Steve Ortega. The city wants the police department to use all the money toward purchasing new police units at $55,000 each.

Police chief Greg Allen has said what he really wants is more officers to patrol the city. However, the city said new units are the most cost-effective way to improve the apartment.

“(This decision was based on) the police study efficiency recommendations,” said Ortega. Ortega was referring to a study commissioned by the city months ago that concluded one of the most efficient ways to improve the department would be for two-officer patrol teams to split up into single officer patrol units and cover more ground, hence the funds for new cars.

Council approved a budget for fiscal year 2012 that will increase property taxes for residents within city limits.

In fiscal year 2011, a resident with a home valued at $100,000 paid the city $653.70. For 2012, they’ll pay $658.40. That’s an additional $4.70 per year.

The city’s budget already allocates money for two new police academies.