FARMINGTON – Selectmen on Tuesday amended the banner space policy and approved applying for federal money for police equipment.

The amended policy gives the board more control over banners displayed around town.

It states that any banner displayed by either a nonprofit agency or groups sponsoring events of community interest will be allowed to hang 21 days before the event and must be removed no more than 24 hours after it. A maximum of two banners will be allowed at each location from Dec. 1 to April 1 and a maximum of three banners will be allowed at each location from April 2 to Nov. 30.

In other business, Police Chief Richard Caton told the board that a Homeland Security grant of up to $27,280 could be used to buy items ranging from radio repeaters and bullhorns to metal detectors and various types of recording equipment. He said he intends to apply for the money.

Caton said that among some of the more important additions would be the five radio repeaters for four cruisers and a detective’s car.

“The repeaters would make our portables more effective and alleviate dead spots around town,” he said.

Caton also informed the board that the total amount needed for the purchase of the equipment shouldn’t exceed $23,000, and any money left over would go to additional training exercises within the department.

Selectmen approved of applying for the money.

Board members also accepted a $1,500 public safety grant through Wal-Mart to buy a ballistic shield for the Police Department. The hand-held shield is to protect an officer from being shot.

“This shield will hopefully never have to be used, but it gives officers more protection to engage a potential shooter,” Caton said.

Selectmen will hold a public information session on the Palesky tax-cap proposal at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Community Center.