Two radar guns donated to Brownsboro police force
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Nathan Straus Photo Henderson County Attorney James Owens (left) reveals the Brownsboro Police Department's two new radar guns with Ron Shields (right), Brownsboro police chief.

The Brownsboro Police Department received a hefty donation in the form of two expensive radar guns Wednesday, January 16. The guns, donated by Henderson County Attorney James Owens, are worth around $950 each, when accessories such as carrying cases are taken into consideration.

Ron Shields, Brownsboro police chief, said his department made the request for radar detection equipment because there wasn't the necessary $1,900 in the city budget for the gear.

"I approached James and he purchased the equipment for us," Shields said.

Owens said the purchase was made possible by bad checks, though not in the way that might come to

force mind first.

"When we collect bad checks the check writer pays a fee," Owens said. "The fees add up and the money is available for our office to use in a way we believe is appropriate."

Shields said Owens' actions have saved Brownsboro taxpayers a potential $1,900 hit.

"I know James has always been an advocate of law enforcement, " Shields also said.

Radar equipment isn't all the County Attorney donates whenever the need arises. Owens said bad check fees are used to purchase vests, cameras, legal update brochures and even special weaponry for police departments all around Henderson County.

"This is a need the police departments let us know about," Owens said. "The County Attorney's office meets needs as the police departments get them in, it's all about meeting needs."

The cost of the radar equipment included two radar guns, two chargers, two carrying cases and everything else required to operate the guns efficiently.

Shields said the current radar gear the Brownsboro Police Department uses is certainly not outdated, but the new ones have an important advantage over the old ones.

"The new guns are very stealthy," Shields said. "The old stuff is only a few years old and not outdated, but we can't use them in certain areas without being seen. We'll be able to use the new ones without being seen."

Shields also said the equipment was ready to use as soon as he received it.

"These will be put to work by this afternoon," Shields said Wednesday morning, January 16.

The guns will likely be in use along Highway 31 near the school zone, Owens said.