FARMINGTON – Three local police departments are eligible for money through a Byrne Grant totaling more than $80,000, Police Chief Richard Caton told selectmen this week.

Caton, serving as the application agent for the three, said the Farmington department is eligible for $35,901 but needs to apply to receive it.

Wilton Police Department is eligible for more than $33,000 and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department can apply for about $20,000, he said.

Wilton police Chief Dennis Brown and Sheriff Dennis Pike do not have specific plans for the money yet.

The Wilton Police Department will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the proposed use of the Recovery Act Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. The hearing will be held at the town office prior to the Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting.

The department is eligible based on the town’s crime statistics, Brown said. There are some restrictions on use but it’s designed to keep officers employed or upgrade equipment.

Pike has a “wish list” for his department and wants to use the money where it will be most beneficial, he said Thursday.

Caton released a list of equipment the Farmington department would like to purchase with the funds.

A mobile alarm system could help in domestic violence or stalker cases by alerting police when an attacker returns to a victim’s location. It could also be used in recurring burglary and theft locations, he said.

To protect officers in the event of an active shooter or other critical incident, four bulletproof shields will be purchased.

The department is looking to purchase a camera digital recorder to help investigate incidents of employee thefts from local businesses.

A new message sign/radar trailer is on the list because the one used now is old and affected by any moisture. Attempts to seal the sign have been unsuccessful, he said.

The radar/sign trailer would alert motorists to detours or evacuation routes, highway safety and speed related issues on the town’s heavily traveled four-lane highway.

The selectmen approved Caton’s application for the funds and purchase of equipment.