The Beeville Police Department will be buying some new equipment thanks to a $120,687.38 grant from the U.S. Criminal Justice Department.

Police Chief Joe Treviño said plans are to buy 10 new computer systems, six electronic ticket writers and a computer-assisted dispatching system.

In addition, the department will be buying some new equipment for its Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

According to Lt. Richard Cantu, the SWAT team will be buying eight new Kevlar helmets, six new armored tactical vests and a ballistic shield for the team.

The Titan Assault Tactical Vests will be an excellent addition for the team, Cantu said. The vests offer Level III protection for the officer’s throat and arms. That level provides protection from most small arms fire.

Treviño said the computerized dispatcher (CAT) system will allow officers in the field to check the National Crime Information Center and Texas Crime Information Center. The system also will allow officers to run driver’s license checks and vehicle registration information without having to ask the dispatcher to get the information from police headquarters.

“Basically, officers will be able to do everything that dispatchers have to do now,” Treviño said.

The chief said he originally had asked for $368,177.63 from the Justice Department. He had wanted to buy seven new Chevrolet Impalas for detectives and supervisors.

Since the grant was awarded, Treviño said U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa’s office has contacted his department and suggested that he prepare a list of other items he wants to purchase.

“I’m going to try to get an armored vehicle,” Cantu said.

The chief said the department does not receive the funds directly. The money is reimbursable, meaning the department purchases the items and then sends the government the bill. The department is then reimbursed within seven days.