August 29, 2016

Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Prevent and Control Crime in Five West Virginia Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced a total of $140,878 in funding for communities throughout West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).

The Byrne JAG Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their state’s specific needs. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice.

“Our law enforcement officers in West Virginia go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our communities safe,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding will enable the units to expand operations, engage the community and purchase updated equipment. I am happy to see this funding head to deserving police departments across our state.”

“In order for our law enforcement to properly do their jobs, it is critical that we equip them with best available training and tools,” said Senator Capito. “These grants will help our police departments continue to protect residents, improve public safety and be a key part of the West Virginia communities they serve.”

Individual awards are listed below:

  • $11,311 – City of Martinsburg (Berkeley County): The City of Martinsburg will use this JAG award to continue building relationships between officers and citizens by using the funds to support the city police departments bicycle patrol unit with the purchase of a computer, bicycles and bicycle lights.
  • $16,132 – Berkeley County: Funds will be used to enhance law enforcement engagement with the community by deploying community engagement training to law enforcement personnel.
  • $26,093 – Raleigh County: Raleigh County will utilize this grant award to enhance law enforcement operations and officer safety by purchasing firearms, sights and a thermal imaging camera.
  • $27,893 – Nicholas County: Funds will be used in Nicholas County to support law enforcement initiatives by purchasing a police cruiser.
  • $17,674 – City Of South Charleston (Kanawha County): The City of South Charleston will use this JAG award to enhance law enforcement operations and public safety with the purchase of a radar speed trailer, firearms, in-car computers and prisoner restraints.
  • $41,775 – City Of Wheeling (Ohio County): The disparate jurisdictions will utilize the JAG award to help improve officer and public safety by purchasing video enhancement equipment, ballistic helmets, gas masks and headsets.
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