Beddingfield told council last week that the department has been to several trainings on appropriate uses and guidelines for the seizure money. Drug seizure money can only be used on certain spending, such as equipment to increase drug seizure activity within the department. Departments cannot use drug seizure money for any equipment already budgeted.
Beddingfield said the department’s first priority is to get the vehicle fleet in good condition. He said the purchase of the patrol car council approved will put the department in good shape.
Beddingfield said the next priority is to purchase rifles for officers, estimated at approximately $8,500 and the third priority is training.
Beddingfield said his officers want to utilize training to allow the department to get more seizure money.
“We want to fund our own way,” Beddingfield said. “We don’t want to burden the citizens with tax increases. Instead of spending citizens’ money, I’d much rather spend criminals’ money.”
The Columbus Police Department is also awaiting another $9,000 from a separate drug seizure.
Drug seizure money has to be sent to the state or federal government and the department receives a percentage of the money back. In last year’s seizure of $159,785, the federal government kept a portion and also gives other departments who helped Columbus smaller portions. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Tryon Police Department and departments from Iredell and Lincoln Counties will also receive small portions of the seizure.
“It’s really going to help us for several years to come do things we need to do,” Beddingfield said.