The Southborough Police Department was recently awarded three state grants totaling about $85,200 to support equipment upgrades, traffic safety initiatives and public safety communications, according to a community announcement.
The funding was awarded through multiple programs administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the State 911 Department, according to the announcement.
The department received $24,796 through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to replace its aging in-cruiser laptops with new Panasonic TOUGHBOOKs, keyboards and docking stations. These upgrades are expected to enhance reliability and communication for patrol officers in the field, according to the announcement.
Southborough police also received $20,247 in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds through the FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant Program. This grant will fund overtime patrols focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt enforcement and speeding, according to the announcement. It will also cover the purchase of a handheld LIDAR device, a speed-measuring tool that allows officers to identify violations with greater accuracy.
Finally, the department’s Communications Center was awarded $40,160 through the State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant to help offset personnel costs for enhanced 911 telecommunicators and emergency dispatch supervisors.
“These grants will help ease the financial burden on taxpayers while allowing the Southborough Police Department to operate more professionally, efficiently and to better serve our residents,” said Southborough Police Chief Ryan Newell, in a statement. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the State 911 Department in helping us enhance our services for the residents of Southborough.”
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
Southborough MA Police awarded $85K in grants for laptops, added safety patrols – MetroWest Daily News
