Page 29 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

The City of Benbrook instituted the CodeRED Emergency Notification System – an ultra-high-speed telephone communication service for
emergency notifications. The CodeRED system allows the City to telephone all or targeted areas of Benbrook in case of an emergency
situation that requires immediate action (such as a boil-water, missing child, or evacuation notice). The system is capable of dialing 60,000
telephone numbers per hour to deliver a pre-recorded message describing the emergency situation to a person or to an answering machine
in the affected area and can include instructions on the action required of the recipient. Once the situation is remedied, another call is placed
to signal that the issue has been addressed and that normal activities can be resumed.

Benbrook also offers the CodeRED Weather Warning program; this system automatically calls residents when severe weather (tornado, flash
flood, and severe thunderstorm) warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. The CodeRED Weather Warning calls only when
specific warnings are issued and only if a registered home, business, or school is in the path of the storm.

The Benbrook Police and Fire Departments work with the Drug Enforcement Administration in conducting the National Take Back Initiative. This
program provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal of unused, expired, and unwanted over-the-counter or prescription
medications. The program also educates the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

New Equipment and Continued Special Programs

Funds are included in the Police Department’s Budget to replace four vehicle light bars, purchase seven new Taser Devices, and eleven SWAT
Ballistic Helmets; incentive pay for Out-of-State applicants, and a Mobile Incinerator for property and evidence destruction. All purchases are
funded through the General Fund.

Funds are included in the 2019-20 Police Department Budget to continue programs that serve to improve the quality of life within Benbrook.
These programs include: National Night Out, VIN-Etching, Neighborhood Watch, Operation Child ID, Operation Identification – Mark Your
Territory, Residential and Business Security Surveys, Bicycle Registration, Child Gun Locks, Project L.E.A.P., the Way Home Program, and
CrimeReports.com.

National Night Out

The Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer organizes Benbrook’s National Night Out. This program is designed to heighten crime and
drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-
community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that Benbrook’s neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime.
Benbrook’s National Night Out takes place at the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA and includes activities for the young and for the old;
activities include: KID Print ID kits for children; live multi-agency mock disaster scenarios; demonstrations with helicopters, police cars, SWAT

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