Some inventory easy to track

MOUNT VERNON — Keeping track of inventory in two of the three largest departments in Mount Vernon city government — the fire department and police department — is no easy task.

The Mount Vernon Police Department has an interesting twist to its inventory lists. The department has so much specialized equipment that little of it is useable outside the department.

“We don’t have hammers and things that you can use in the home,” said MVPD Chief Mike Merrilees. “It’s all very specialized equipment for law enforcement. We keep a tight rein on that kind of stuff which includes things like uniforms, batteries and badges.