Alamo police getting new equipment with state grant

ALAMO — Alamo police will likely have a few more tools in their arsenal, thanks to a State Homeland Security Grant.

On Tuesday, the city approved the purchase of binoculars, a thermal imager and two pieces of night-vision equipment for the Alamo Police Department with the State Homeland Security Grant funds.

The thermal imaging equipment, which detects variation in temperature, would allow officers to look inside buildings and detect the presence of people from their body heat.

The tool would be helpful when police are responding to nighttime burglaries, for example, said Alamo Police Chief Arturo Espinosa.

The night-vision equipment would be used by officers on night patrol.

Espinosa said the department has until December to get the equipment, which will cost $15,720.

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Ryan Holeywell covers PSJA and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.