Christmas came a little early for Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. Commissioners approved up to $42,000 in unbudgeted equipment expenses. Sheriff Todd Brackett told commissioners Dec. 7, the department expected to end the year with a surplus numbering “in six digits” and requested using those funds to buy more safety equipment.

“Our department has had as many as seven vacancies which has led to this surplus. So I’ve put together a list for your consideration using surplus funds,” he said. 

Brackett’s list included five ballistic shields for $13,000. The hand-designed shields protect deputies from high caliber rifle fire and other rounds used in combat situations; a $15,000 portable training simulator. The system developed by DART Range of Lake Mary, Florida is a 3-D simulator capable of handling use of force situations and other training scenarios. Brackett reported the system would be shared with other county law enforcement agencies; and portable radio ear pieces and microphones for $7,600 from N-Ear. Bracket explained the new ear pieces would replace extended telephone cord style speaker/microphones. “Our goal is providing better equipment to field personnel to clarify new digital radio system and receiver signals,” he said. 

A $6,400 request for Less than Lethal Munitions by Pepperball was the final request approved. Brackett requested buying five air guns which fired “paintball like” munitions filled with cayenne pepper similar to that currently carried in a canister by each deputy. Brackett plans on placing an airgun in each sergeant’s  and lieutenant’s vehicle. “The projectiles simply allow us to use Capstun (less lethal munitions) from greater distances and in a wider variety of circumstances,” he said.

In other action, commissioners voted 3-0 authorizing the sheriff’s department to enter into an agreement with Dirigo Safety of Lewiston. The two-year contract is for $7,500 which helps secure state law enforcement accreditation through the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. Brackett described accreditation as a three to five-year process. 

Commissioners also approved buying 30 personal warning beacons as a safety measure. Brackett reported the devices are similar to LED lights which increase visibility. “They flash while a deputy is at an accident scene. On the heels of Hancock County Deputy Luke Gross’s death (at a September motor vehicle accident scene) something like this is long overdue,” he said. Brackett reported the 30 beacons cost $2,698.50.

Commissioners approved payment for three recently received hybrid law enforcement vehicles ordered in April. The department now has five hybrid vehicles out of a fleet of 17. Each vehicle cost $36,201. Commissioners approved continuing the department’s Tip411 annual subscription for $3,600. The hotline collects anonymous tips on criminal activity throughout the county. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Dec. 21 in the county courthouse.