Bourbon Police Chief Bill Martin asked the Bourbon Town Council members last week if officers can buy their current duty weapons and back-up guns as he is looking to purchase newer weapons for the officers.
He requested that the officers be able to purchase those weapons based on a trade-in amount. In turn, that money will be used to purchase the new weapons. The difference would be made up in the Donation Fund in the budget as well as the Continuing Training Fund.
The current equipment is 10 years old, according to Chief Martin.
As Bourbon Town Council President Ward Byers explained, the Firearms Fund would be used, but now that firearms permits for the public are free in the State of Indiana that revenue will not be available to purchase weapons, targets, or ammunition for officers. The council members agreed to use the funds recommended by the chief to purchase the weapons and not the Firearms Fund.
The council members also approved a motion to allow the officers to buy back their current duty weapons at the trade-in price. The new weapons will be purchased in the amount of $2,802.84.
