The Ithaca Police Department must now receive Common Council approval before applying for grants involving tactical equipment or surveillance technology, according to The Ithaca Voice.
Council approved the policy 9-1 after expanding it to cover technology such as automated license plate readers and related operating costs.
Police will have to explain what equipment they want, what obligations come with the grant and how the request fits the city’s public safety priorities.
Supporters said the change will improve transparency after controversy over a $75,000 grant for night vision equipment, ballistic gear, drones and tactical training.
Police Chief Thomas Kelly warned that the added review could create problems when grant deadlines are short, while city officials said a broader policy for all departments is also being developed.
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