The desire to expand video courtroom options for inmates in custody at the Platte County Jail has prompted the Platte County Sheriff’s Department to seek grant funding.
Last week at an administrative session for the county commission, the sheriff’s office detailed a nearly $234,000 grant application that seeks American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the state for construction of additional video courtroom facilities.
The local funds for the 50-50 matching grant would come from either the sheriff’s budget or ARPA funds currently in the county’s possession.
The sheriff’s office has been looking into options to utilize video courtrooms more frequently, as it reduces the need to transport prisoners to court appearances and thereby decreases the costs and dangers involved in moving prisoners between facilities.
In other action last week, a purchasing agreement for new handguns for the sheriff’s department was given approval at a cost of nearly $100,000. The sheriff’s office desires to change from .40 caliber to 9 mm handguns.
Major Erik Holland said 9 mm ammunition is more readily available and lower cost. He said many law enforcement agencies are making the switch.