CHICOPEE, Mass. - A topic of debate in the Chicopee community, as city councilors vote to approve funding for the police department for tactical gear.

Some say the gear is important to protect officers and members of the community, but some residents said it's an unnecessary expense.

"Our main goal is safety and to protect and to be well prepared," said Donna Liszka, Public Information Officer with the Chicopee Police Department.

The Chicopee City Council recently approved $86,000 in funding for crowd control equipment and tactical gear for the Chicopee Police Department. Twelve councilors voted in favor and one abstained.

"I can't find one time we denied the police department equipment. In light of what is going on today nationally, this program we are doing for $86,000 might sound like a lot of money, but when you look at a city that is running on over $200 million budget, it's small," said Robert Zygarowski, Chicopee City Councilor, Chair of Public Safety Committee. "It's coming out of our free cash."

Liszka said police communicated with event leaders before gatherings to find out where and how big they will be, so they can help accommodate the expected crowd. They said they want to make sure people who choose to gather, can do it safely.

"Having proper equipment allows our officers to respond immediately as a team, if a civil unrest unexpectedly breaks out during a peaceful assembly," said Liszka.

Although police and councilors said it's necessary in today's climate, some residents aren't happy with the council's decision. 

"I think that money could have even been spent on learning and teaching deescalation techniques instead of the militarization of our police," said Lisa Hagar.

Hagar is a lifelong city resident who is running for council. She said the protests in the city have been helpful in getting things moved forward and does not see a need for this gear.

"We don't really have riots," said Hagar. "We've had one gathering that got out of control, but that was two years ago. We have had a couple of protests this year, even with COVID, but they have been wonderfully peaceful."

But Zygarowski said the City is following national standards, and other surrounding police departments have done the same. 

"I haven't received one call from anyone in the city denying the money. It's well spent money," Zygarowski said. "The guys and women on the police force need it. And again, I hope we never have to use it, but we are being proactive."

Zygarowski is also filing an order that will equipped all uniformed police officers and supervisors with body cameras. They are working with the police department to get a cost estimate. This is still in the beginning phases, but will be discussed at the City Council meeting coming up on May 12.