As Brownsville police prepare to patrol the streets during the arctic blast, the department’s patrol cars have already been serviced to deal with the extreme weather conditions.
“All of our units got serviced this week as soon as we found out about the arctic blast to make sure that every unit is capable of withstanding, being able to function correctly here in the cold,” said Investigator Martin Sandoval, spokesman for Brownsville Police Department.
Sandoval said the patrol officers have also been fitted with winter gear, which they are provided with as soon as they become officers with the department.
The department will continue to operate with normal procedures with officers patrolling the streets and answering calls.
“We are not changing anything unless we get word from up top, then we can adjust our schedules,” Sandoval said.
“Nor rain, sleet, snow or gloom of night will prevent the officers from patrolling,” Sandoval said. “We are going to be here no matter what happens.”
The police department does have back up generators should there be a power outage caused by the arctic blast. The generators provide electricity to all vital departments within the police building.
“Dispatch (computer system) is one of them that is vital and several other computer centers that are actually essential,” Sandoval said. “The city jail is another vital, essential (department) in case we do lose light. The city jail will still be functioning; they will still have heat.”
Sandoval said the department is urging resident to stay inside and to not go out in the frigid temperatures unless they absolutely must.
Residents should also be aware of any street closure that could occur during the night or on Friday.
“Allow yourself enough time to travel, so leave the house 30 to 40 minutes early to make sure you get to your destination or time or safely,” Sandoval said.
Motorists should also be aware of the road conditions and may need to slow down in case there is sleet or ice on the roads.
“Just because the speed limit is 40 or 50, it is the driver’s responsibility to adjust the speed in accordance to weather,” he said. “When it rains, when there is ice or anything, you are the driver, your responsibility is to lower your speed.”
