By Hannah Woodrum The need for change has finally arrived at the Levelland Police Department with a funding request of $10,800 for 30 optics for handguns being approved.
Chief of Police Erica O’Bryon found out about a grant to finance supplies for her crew. She then stood in front of a council and gave a presentation as to why the LPD should be granted this money.
O’Bryon found out the Hockley County Endowment was giving away grants and she immediately applied. The LPD was already training to transition from 40 caliber glocks to 9 millimeter Smith and Wesson guns; this grant would just help the LPD supply the materials they needed.
“I wanted to put Optics on the pistols just for the improved accuracy of them and the modernization of weapon systems,” said O’Bryon. “I have personally shot with red dots for about five years and I just prefer the optic on my guns.”
On Aug. 14 she presented on why the grant should be applied to the LPD. Every round fired carries immense responsibility and the officers are accountable for every shot and accuracy is essential for protecting the public. While the officers receive regular training and are encouraged to practice, the LPD members have families and lives outside of work.
“We’ve got families, we’ve got lives outside of law enforcement. So, to maintain accuracy on a weapon like we have, it takes a lot of time. There are officers that don’t have that time,” said O’Bryon. “So, putting an optic on there is a huge stress reducer to these officers. There’s a bigger site picture for them to use.”
Even the most skilled officers see a decrease in accuracy and fine motor skills when under intense stress. Critical incidents often happen in seconds, in low light or unpredictable environments. In those moments, faster target acquisition and precise shot placement can mean the difference between life and death. Optics provide a clear aiming point, improving performance when it matters most.
“Studies have shown when officers are shooting iron bites, getting involved into a critical situation your accuracy drops 50%,” said O’Bryon. “When you have something that the optic studies have shown your improvement goes up 68%. That’s an 18% difference.”
The entire project was projected at $24,500, which includes the weapons, the holsters, the ammunition, the first year training ammo, the first year duty ammo and the optics for the guns. Applying for this grant gave O’Bryon enough funds to provide her team with not only these materials but extra supplies like more ammo and extra holsters for the new magazine holders. The order will be placed at the beginning of October and the LPD should have them in 40 to 60 days. The LPD will then start training with the optics beginning in January 2026.
“I was mainly surprised that we got the full amount. It was a lot to ask for and I wasn’t sure how we were going to do that,” said O’Bryon. “I was hoping for 50% of it to be funded through the grant then that would be a huge help. So, to learn that we had been awarded the entirety of it I was in awe, I was shocked.” The benefits of this grant will substantially help the LPD with faster target acquisition in critical incidents, increased officer and public safety, greater accuracy, especially under stress and improved performance in lowlight conditions.
“A huge thank you to The Hockley County Endowment and to the community for supporting the LPD,” said O’Bryon. “I’m absolutely honored to have received these funds and knowing it’s going to a great cause thank you so much.”