Coventry Police Department Secures $446K Federal Funding for Tech Upgrades

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) will visit the Coventry Police Department to discuss $446,000 in federal Community Project funding. This funding, secured by Courtney in collaboration with the Town of Coventry, is designated for the Coventry Police Department in the FY26 federal budget. The funds will be used to upgrade dispatch and body camera equipment for the department.

Courtney is scheduled to meet with Coventry Police Chief Eric Peterson, Coventry Town Manager Jim Drumm, and Coventry Town Council Chair Lisa Thomas. The discussion will focus on the impact of this federal allocation on local law enforcement operations.

The new funding is intended to enable the Coventry Police Department to modernize outdated technology. The updates aim to improve the department's ability to respond to and prevent crime within the community. Additionally, the upgrades are expected to enhance the safety of officers and promote responsibility and transparency to the public.

The $446,000 Community Project for the Town of Coventry was part of a larger legislative effort. Congress passed this funding, and it was signed into law in January 2026. This specific project is one of 15 total Community Projects located in Connecticut’s Second District. Congressman Courtney worked with various towns and non-profit organizations to secure funding for these projects within the FY26 federal budget.

The investment in new dispatch and body camera equipment is a step towards ensuring the Coventry Police Department has modern tools.

Chief Eric Peterson said the current body cams were acquired from the Vernon Police Department as surplus. They were working fine until the company was bought out by another, which. made it prohibitive upgrade.

New body and dash cams could be in place as soon as "a couple of months," he said.

Coventry Town Manager Jim Drumm and Lisa Thomas, who chairs the town council, said the grant pays for equipment the town would otherwise not afford. Coventry has a roster of 16 officers.

New dispatch equipment was also needed.

"These technological improvements are expected to support the department's ongoing efforts to serve the Coventry community effectively and maintain public trust," Courtney said.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney helped secure federal Community Project funding for Coventry Police Department to modernize equipment. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)