With just under 200 officers at the City Constabulary, $18M has been earmarked for the procurement of firearms for the security arm of the Georgetown City Council.
According to the approved 2018 Budget, which was seen by the News Room, the funds fall under the capital programme of the City Constabulary – one of the major departments at City Hall.
An additional $400,000 was budgeted for the purchase of ammunition.
News Room understands that councillors met last week to discuss the draft budget which amounts to some $3B while the revenue projection is about $3.1B.
However, a number of councillors including Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikaran left the meeting early.
Nonetheless, the budget was passed with a majority vote given that the meeting had its quorum on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
The City Constabulary is responsible enforcing the municipal by-laws and providing 24-hour security to areas such as Stabroek, Albouystown, Bourda, Ruimveldt and Kitty.
According to the document, the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) intention last year was to increase staff recruitment within the City Constabulary but they made no progress.
However, the M&CC claims that in 2017, there was a 45% reduction in break-ins at markets, City Hall and the Treasurer’s Department when compared with the figures from the previous year.
Meanwhile, under the budget for the City Constabulary, there is a decrease in the allocation for meals for prisoners.
While $800, 000 was budgeted in 2017, $520,000 is set aside for this year.
There has been a tremendous increase in the sums for training, jumping from $300,000 to $4M.
Further, City Hall plans to spend $9M to purchase vehicles for the City Constabulary and approximately $2M for office equipment and furniture for this department.
Some $5M has been earmarked to purchase communication devices for the officers.
