Cole County sheriff to buy new mobile computers, radios with state Blue Shield grant

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -

The Cole County Sheriff's Office plans to buy several new items using money from the state's new law enforcement grant program.

Sheriff John Wheeler tells ABC 17 News he plans to buy five mobile data terminals for patrol cars, three portable radios for road deputies and a new security camera from the Blue Shield grant program. Wheeler said his office got $50,000 from the program, which the county commission accepted on Tuesday.

Wheeler said he planned to buy the gear using a state contract. The pole security camera, he said, could be moved around the county for investigations as needed.

Gov. Mike Kehoe's office announced the results of the inaugural grant program last week. A news release said the $10 million in grants went out to 60 counties and 137 cities, buying several hundred pieces of gear.

The Jefferson City Police Department also received grant money through the program.