Bourbon officials have been discussing the possibility of purchasing specific phones for officers on the Police Department.
Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger explained that currently, officers use their personal phones and receive a $25 stipend every month. She mentioned that one of the disadvantages of the current system is that if officers have to turn their phone over for a case, all of their personal information is also subsequently shared.
During recent town council meetings, preliminary discussions about buying some new phones for department-use only have been held. The cost would be about $39 per month, compared to the current $25.
While the new arrangement would cost a bit more than the stipend system, there would be some benefits, according to Clerk-Treasurer Berger.
She stated that the new phones apparently have a specific emergency service distinction that would recognize they belong to law enforcement officials and give officers priority access to the phone lines in case of an emergency.
No official actions were taken during the council’s most recent meeting but the topic will be addressed again in the future.
