Conroe OKs New Police SUVs, Drones

On Tuesday, the Conroe City Council greenlit a substantial package totaling approximately $1 million for the acquisition of 14 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs and two drones intended for the Conroe Police Department. This decision followed a vigorous push from Mayor Duke Coon and a renewed discussion among council members.

The council has reached a unanimous decision to allocate approximately $800,000 from the city’s Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase of SUVs, along with around $220,000 from the Federal Justice Seized Assets Fund for drones, according to Police Chief Jon Buckholtz. The fund of seized assets is derived from the proceeds of assets sold following federal criminal investigations and is separate from the city’s operating budget.

The acquisitions come in response to growing apprehension regarding a fleet that is becoming increasingly worn. “We require vehicles; walking to calls is not feasible,” Buckholtz informed the council, highlighting that the department operates 105 cars, yet several need substantial repairs, and approximately five are currently out of service due to accidents. The department is averaging approximately 90,000 calls this year, according to him, a record high that shows the importance of reliable equipment.

A motion to approve the purchases faced an initial setback due to the absence of a second. However, Councilman Harry Hardman intervened, prompting further discussion and bringing the matter back to the forefront. Buckholtz announced that advantageous pricing at Caldwell County Chevrolet is guaranteed through July, emphasizing that purchasing now provides ample time for delivery and the necessary equipment installation.

Buckholtz underscored the gravity of the situation and demanded prompt approval to ensure response capability. Buckholtz emphasized the seriousness of the problem and called for immediate approval to maintain response capability.

Mayor Coon, at times visibly frustrated during the debate, emphasized that the Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund was created specifically to address these needs. “By God, if our policemen need these vehicles, let’s give them to them,” he stated, expressing frustration that the approval was not guaranteed.

Councilwoman Marsha Porter proposed a policy to prevent officers from taking vehicles home to conserve mileage. However, Buckholtz countered that such a measure could hinder recruitment efforts. On their first day, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department are assigned take-home vehicles, which significantly reduces response times for SWAT and specialized units, he pointed out.

Buckholtz described the drones as a "force multiplier," enabling officers to assess situations upon arrival at the scene in their vehicles. The city is set to allocate approximately $67,000 annually for drone maintenance, he stated.

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