The Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) is preparing to implement public safety initiatives following the announcement that it was selected to receive just over $115,000 through an Arizona Department of Public Safety border support grant.
SVPD was identified as an eligible agency for this funding due to its proximity to the border and its ongoing participation in Operation Stone Garden—a federal program that supports local law enforcement in border-related security efforts.
The purpose of the grant is to enhance law enforcement capabilities to deter, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration, and other border-related crimes.
Upon City Council approving the funding, SVPD will invest in license plate reader (LPR) cameras, a new K-9, and a drone.
SVPD plans to work with the Arizona Department of Transportation to receive permits to install LPR cameras along major thoroughfares in the city. These cameras will assist law enforcement by scanning license plates and comparing them to the Arizona Crime Information Center’s "Hot Sheet.” This database includes plates associated with Amber Alerts (missing/abducted children), Silver Alerts (missing senior citizens), stolen vehicles, and vehicles involved in border-related or local crimes.
When a flagged vehicle is detected, an alert will be sent to officers with the vehicle’s last known location. The readers are not used for traffic enforcement and do not record video or capture driver images. They do not track speed, expired registration, or insurance violations. All data is securely stored and automatically deleted within 30 days. Access to the data is restricted, similar to body-worn cameras.
The system allows SVPD to collaborate with law enforcement agencies statewide to locate missing persons, stolen vehicles, and suspects involved in crimes.
SVPD also plans to purchase a new police K-9, as the department currently has only one active dog following the retirement of its other K-9. The new police dog will be trained to assist in drug detection and tracking.
A portion of the funding will go toward a new drone, which will provide aerial surveillance capabilities for things like a missing person, tactical operations, or accident investigations. The drone will improve SVPD’s ability to search wide areas or places that are difficult to walk through.
While not part of the current grant, Police Chief Chris Hiser also outlined a strategic goal of reinstating a dedicated traffic enforcement unit, which would include bringing back Sierra Vista Police motorcycles. Though no formal dates are in place yet, Chief Hiser hopes to certify officers on motorcycles in the coming months as part of a long-term strategy to improve road safety and enforcement efforts.
Before moving forward with purchases and permits, Sierra Vista City Council must formally accept the funding, which is expected to take place this week. The police department will then submit the documents to the Arizona Department of Public Safety to move forward.