Boone County Commission approves radio system grant for Hallsville Police

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Commission approved a grant to the Hallsville Police Department as part of the county's new Public Safety Radio System.

The measure enters Hallsville into an interoperable radio system cooperative agreement with Boone County Joint Communications. The new system is expected to enhance emergency communications and improve capabilities for handling large-scale incidents.

BCJC director Christie Davis said the program was still on track to launch later in 2026. Equipment is staged and staff has started factory acceptance testing.

"After successful testing, we will begin transitioning our public safety partners over to the new system," Davis said. "There will be a period where public safety partners’ radio transmission will be broadcasted over the old and new system to allow adequate timing for all agencies to make the transition."

In October, the Boone County Commission launched the Radio Grant Program to help public safety agencies secure the equipment needed for the new system.

The grant covers about $116,000 worth of equipment and includes nine portable radios and seven mobile radios.

For this new radio system to be implemented for other emergency agencies in Boone County, it would likely cost more than $11 million, which is being funded through Boone County's 911 sales tax.