SAGINAW -- Police departments in MidMichigan may be able to sell seized firearms from crime scenes for cash to support internal operations if a bill working its way through the Michigan Legislature becomes law.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw Township) recently sailed through the state senate and now heads over to the house. Meanwhile, local police chiefs like Gerald Cliff of the Saginaw Police Department are already considering what equipment they can purchase in support of crime-fighting operations.
“There is another potential source for money for cars, bulletproof vests, anything we need (including) new radar machines, laser speed measuring devices (as well),” he said.
The department has between 500 and 700 seized firearms that could bring in enough money to purchase five police cars, though Cliff said there likely is not enough revenue to support additional officers.
The bill was originally drafted 4 years ago. There is a debate over whether Governor Jennifer Granholm will sign the legislation in the lame duck sessions of government.
