CAR Recap DPS Local Border Support Fund Application.docx

FINANCE 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
                  
 
530 E. MONROE AVE. • BUCKEYE, AZ • 85326 
WILLIAM KAUPPI • WKAUPPI@BUCKEYEAZ.GOV • BUCKEYEAZ.GOV 
 
Arizona Department of Public Safety – Local Border Support Fund Grant Application – Summary Recap 
Project Description:   
The Buckeye Police Department’s goal is to remove local border-related crimes from the community, 
especially related to drug, weapons, and human trafficking, and illegal immigration, through the submission 
of a grant application that supports the acquisition of a Fentanyl sensing, lifesaving robot, the salary and 
employee-related expenses for a detective for one year, and a new vehicle for the detective. The robot can 
sense fentanyl and other forms of illicit substances. The robot can also approach at-risk areas to perform a 
variety of high-risk tasks, including fentanyl identification, process serving, service of warrants, monitoring, 
video and audio surveillance activities, two-way communications, video feeds, etc. The robot can climb stairs, 
traverse irregular surfaces, right itself when it tips over, open doors, and retrieve items. If awarded, and after 
the one-year grant period is complete, Buckeye will have the ability to retain or eliminate the detective 
position. 
 
Project Cost: 
 $ 445,988.81 ($445,988.81 reimbursable based on budget, over a 1-year period) 
 
Required Match: 
 $ 0 
 
Grant Amount:  
 $ 445,988.81 (over a 1-year period) 
Plans Once Grant Expires:  
 If awarded, the award agreement will be presented to Council for approval. After the grant funding has been 
exhausted, any additional quadruped robot and vehicle needs and/or maintenance will be funded by the 
Police Department’s General Fund account. If available, the Grants Team will pursue other potential grant 
funding opportunities to fund additional needs. Regarding the detective, after the grant’s one-year funding 
has been exhausted, Buckeye may retain the detective through the General Fund budget or eliminate the 
position. 
Objectives and Expected Outcomes:  
 The Buckeye Police Department’s goal is to remove local border-related crimes from the community, 
especially related to drug, weapons, and human trafficking, and illegal immigration, while ensuring the safety 
of law enforcement officers and the community. Funding for a detective, quadruped robot, and dedicated 
vehicle will significantly improve BPD’s ability to interdict and dismantle border-related criminal operations 
impacting the community. The quadruped robot can identify unknown substances and increase the number 
of successful charges against suspects, resulting in a more positive impact on the community. The quadruped 
robot is a safer hazardous substance detection strategy than utilizing a law enforcement K-9, as the exposure 
to these lethal substances is greatly reduced for both the K-9 and the K-9 handler. 
Time Period for the Grant: 
 FY 2026