Sheriff's Office receives grant funds for new equipment

DAVENPORT—The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received $148,138 in grant funding from the state Department of Commerce for “less than lethal” equipment following legislative laws passed at the state level regarding public safety in the 2021 session.

House Bill 1310 specifically targeted use of force by law enforcement officers, including physical and deadly, and promoted less lethal alternatives and de-escalation strategies.

The Department of Commerce then announced law enforcement agencies could apply for grant funding to obtain this “less than lethal” equipment, which Sheriff Wade Magers applied for.

Lincoln County received the highest grant award possible out of 25 agencies that applied. Grant funding ranged from $6,853 to the county’s receipt of $148,138.

“Because of the award, we will be securing three new less than lethal devices to include the Taser 7, BOLA Wrap and pepperball launchers,” Magers said in a press release. “It is important to point out that each tool has a use, depending on the circumstances and totality of the incident. The deputies will be well trained on the use of these devices, which is also covered with the grant funds.”

“This was a team effort and involved many hours applying, securing bids, attending demonstrations and assuring the equipment met the guidelines of the grant,” Magers added. “The entire administrative team was involved in the process and the hard work paid off.”