The Thorsby Police Department will receive a $25,000 grant that will be used to purchase in-car video cameras for all of the town’s patrol cars, Mayor Dearl Hilyer announced at Monday’s Town Council meeting.

A total of five high-tech cameras will be purchased to equip Police Chief Rodney Barnett’s vehicle, three patrol cars and the part-time/substitute car, said Hilyer.

“It is important for the officers because they will be able to validate what they’ve seen and for a citizen that complains of being harassed or being mistreated,” said Hilyer. “The video will provide evidence whether their claim is valid or not and will no longer be one word against the other.”

For example, if an officer is behind someone who is swerving, as soon as he clicks his lights on, the camera backs up and will be able to show the car swerving on the road.

The officers will also have microphones attached to them to capture the sound, said Hilyer.

In other business, Robert Buchalter Development will be presenting its preliminary plans for zoning and development in Thorsby Tuesday, Jan. 4 at the town annex at 5 p.m.

Also, five letters have been mailed to engineers and administrators regarding the replacement of the West Medical Center Drive Bridge.

The councilmen will proceed with a planned  grading system and choose an engineer and administrator at the next council meeting.