“We’re not under attack,” said Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Larry Scarber as he displayed two M16s the department has put together with parts volunteer Don Anderson procured from the military surplus program.
Chief Scarber gave an update on his department to the Taylor Town Council April 6. He noted that Anderson reviews military surplus regularly and has obtained several items, including the three containers behind the police station for which they only had to pay freight.
They also received about 16 Vietnam era military weapons that had components that would cost a lot to buy, explained the chief.
Fortunately, senior Sgt. Dan Rush has a background in armor, doing armor work on the side. Sgt. Rush took weapons that were not in good condition, blasted them and put a coating on them that makes them much more durable. Scarber said that for less than $200 in materials he was able to make a patrol rifle.
Scarber said that shortly after he started as chief the officers volunteered to forfeit a portion of their uniform allowance so the department could get back “into the gun business,” explaining that previously officers purchased and maintained their own weapons.
“Over two years we were able to purchase everyone new Glock handguns. Now we’re working on these,” he said of the rifles.
“Our department policies never got to the point of making them fit us,” said Scarber, explaining that they are now going through a review of the policies and adding that when they are completed, they will be on the STPD website.
“We are trying things to maintain a greater online presence,” he said, noting that Lt. Bobby Martin and Administrative Assistant Kimberly Willis keep the STPD Facebook page current and “have done some great things,” such as make videos–some funny, but with important messages. They also post those who have warrants.
The department’s 2016 annual report is also on the website, which they are making more user friendly.
Chief Scarber is a fan of the Blue Courage Program, and is having each officer complete it. The program represents the culture of guardians, not warriors, at STPD. Martin is one of the instructors of the program.
“Another class we’re getting everybody through is mental health first aid, because we have to respond to a lot of health crises,” said Chief Scarber. Martin is a certified manager of the program.
One officer is in SWAT training in Utah, and Officer Amity Crunk will be at a two-week training in South Dakota to take over the DARE program.
Chief Scarber has applied for funds from the Pascua Yacqui Tribe that would be used to obtain the Spillman CAD/RMS System, which is compatible with most of the departments in the area. These are funds from gambling revenues. Tribes are required to give back 12 percent to an entity. The STPD was not successful in receiving those funds last year, but Scarber received a call from the tribe suggesting he apply this year. “They invited us to do this,” said Chief Scarber.
He also noted that they are applying for $10,000 in funds and a car through a government office, but he isn’t confident they’ll get the car.
They are applying for a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to upgrade seven radios this year. Last year they were able to upgrade five radios. They are waiting for the federal government to come up with a budget this year to know if they will receive the grant.
The STPD received $10,000 in Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) funds that will be used for body cameras.
Scarber noted that the department is gearing up for special events, and is looking forward to Trapper Days and Independence Day in Taylor.
“We’ve got a lot of things going on,” said the chief.
