August 25, 2011

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce $288,941 to Support Law Enforcement Across West Virginia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced that seven cities in West Virginia will receive $288,941 to provide essential equipment and support to law enforcement agencies. The funding comes through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. 

“Our law enforcement officers have a very tough job, and they put themselves in danger each day to protect our families and our communities,” Senator Manchin said. “Providing our officers with the tools, equipment and support they need to do their jobs is incredibly important – it is what they deserve. These funds will help pay for the tools that West Virginia’s law enforcement community needs to crack down on drug abuse, root out crime, and make our state and better place to live and work.” 

“Police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and secure in our homes, at school and at work,” said Senator Rockefeller.  “Because of this important funding, our brave law enforcement officers will have the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

The city of Huntington will receive $99,357 to pay for a criminal intelligence analyst, a program coordinator, overtime for patrol officers, and a sports utility patrol vehicle. This will help create a safer community through increased officer presence. In addition, the ability to use available data and technology will help make the department more proactive and efficient. 

The city of Beckley will receive $43,926 to purchase mobile radios and exercise equipment. 

The city of Morgantown will receive $39,999 to purchase a forensic evidence drying cabinet, tactical communication equipment, tasers and exercise equipment. The goal of this project is to enhance the officers’ level of physical fitness and police investigations. 

The city of Parkersburg will receive $38,355 to help purchase radios, gun supplies and a police cruiser. 

The city of Wheeling will receive $37,168 to purchase a report management server, an offsite back-up server, mobile computers and taser equipment. 

The city of South Charleston will receive $15,525 to purchase in-car computers, cameras, radios, handled lasers, and advanced GPS units that will help enhance officer and public safety during traffic details and criminal investigations. 

The city of Princeton will receive $14,611 to support law enforcement initiatives, specifically through the purchase of in-car cameras. These will help protect officers from false claims and protect the department from fraud. 

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