By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Police Department (SBPD) is installing bullet-resistant components in various vehicles as part of a state-funded grant worth six figures.
The $184,724 grant proposal issued by the Office of the Governor was ratified unanimously by San Benito Commissioners during December 16 regular meeting.
SBPD Chief Mario Perea said the grant would become retroactive now that the elected officials voted on it.
The grant provides funds to equip patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant components for the windshield, driver and passenger doors, and side windows.
“It’s for all marked San Benito Police vehicles,” Chief Perea said. “It would protect the driver and front passenger also.”
He said the grant funding would equip 20 SBPD vehicles beginning March 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027.
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas W. Goodman II admits it’s rather disturbing it’s come to a point that law enforcement officers would need this type of protection.
“Thank you for continuing to reach out and try to improve and protect our staff, our people as well,” Goodman said. “As much as we hate to look at these kinds of things, it’s important that we have them.” Goodman reminded the public that these funds come from a grant and not local coffers.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
With most San Benito residents having access to cellular phones, they will soon be able to communicate their concerns to the city using an app.
San Benito commissioners unanimously approved using the CivicPlus Marketplace app as a centralized digital hub for community engagement.
It comes with a $5,625 start-up fee and a $7,500 annual recurring fee, said Police Chief Perea, who presented the item to the commissioners.
GoGov and Granicus provided two other quotes, but CivicPlus provided the lowest price.
“This app will allow citizens to report any issues they see; upon taking a picture, it will be on the app map, and it will send it to the proper department,” Chief Perea said. “The GPS coordinates will show up where the issue is at and funnel it to the directors.”
From street light outages to tree branches on roadways, all city departments will be alerted to resident concerns and real-time solutions.
Commissioners lauded the effort, with Commissioner Deborah A. Morales saying San Benito is equal to the task, given that neighboring cities offer this to their citizens.
Information will be available on the City of San Benito’s website.
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