Tarentum approves buying police SUV, policies on rifles, cameras

Tarentum police soon will be able to use their own rifles on the job under a policy approved this week by borough council.

Council also OK’d plans to buy a new hybrid SUV for the department and approved the use of mobile video and audio recorders and body-worn cameras.

Borough Manager Michael Nestico said Tarentum already permits officers to use their own handguns, in part because the borough has not bought handguns for all of its officers.

Mayor Eric Carter said several officers have asked to use their own rifles instead of the ones provided by the borough because they are more comfortable handling them. He said the officers put money into their own rifles, including upgrading them with lights, lasers and better sights.

Under the policy, the police chief or a designee would have to annually inspect and approve any personally-owned or purchased rifles and accessories before the weapons could be used on duty.

The policy requires rifles be of the AR-15 platform and use only 5.56/.223-caliber ammunition. They would have to be manufactured — no so-called parts rifles, also known as basement- or garage-assembled rifles, are permitted.

Fully automatic rifles and those with selector switches allowing fully automatic fire are not permitted.

Council approved spending just under $42,900 for a 2021 Ford police interceptor utility all-wheel drive hybrid SUV.

It will replace one of two vehicles Nestico said are 5 years old and have begun to have issues within the past two months. The old vehicle will be traded in.

Carter said borough officials weren’t able to find any grants to use toward the purchase.

The borough has about $25,000 budgeted for a police car. It will finance the purchase and pay it off within two years, Nestico said.

Carter said they expect the hybrid vehicle to save about $4,000 a year on fuel.

Council approved policies on the use of mobile video and audio recorders and body-worn cameras.

Under the first policy, officers are to ensure that the mobile video and audio recorder is on and in working order at the start of their shifts. When any evidence of a crime or other significant event is recorded, the recording is to be downloaded and saved until no longer needed as evidence.

Police are allowed to record audio during traffic stops and other police incidents in a public place, but not inside a residence, according to the policy.

Carter said body cameras, new to the borough, would be activated this week.

The policy said officers will activate their body-worn cameras to record interactions with people.

When an officer can’t turn on the camera, officers are to begin recording as soon as safely possible and will have to document the reason for the delayed start.