Rahall Announces Justice Grants for Southern West Virginia Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Tuesday announced federal funding for two police departments in southern West Virginia to upgrade equipment and support law enforcement initiatives.

“Our police officers and sheriff deputies are our first line of defense on so many fronts from battling drug abuse to violent crime.  They are 24/7 watchman throughout this nation as partners in averting crimes from cyber theft to terrorism.  Federal funding to help them do their jobs is essential, yet is under constant attack these days in the halls of the Congress,” said Rahall.  “They have my continued commitment to build partnerships for our communities with the federal government because preventing and stopping crime, not only saves lives, it saves money and scarce resources. I will continue to fight to protect the JAG grant program and other effective crime-fighting initiatives.”

The City of Beckley has been awarded $63,502 for the City of Beckley and Raleigh County Advancement in Technology and Equipment Upgrade Project. 

The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will use $24,687 of the grant towards the purchase of a new patrol vehicle that will be used by a Deputy Sheriff assigned to handle a narcotics canine to perform routine patrol activities, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, and enhance the capability of the Sheriff’s Office to better serve the citizens of Raleigh County.

The Beckley Police Department will purchase updated radio equipment to provide reliable communications with various local, county, regional, state, and federal departments to meet an increasing demand for services and enhance communications capabilities when responding to catastrophic events.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating all public safety and industrial/business licensees convert existing 25 kHz radio systems to minimum narrowband 12.5 kHz efficiency technology by January 1, 2013 to promote more efficient use of the VHF and UHF land mobile frequency bands.

“This funding will benefit citizens and businesses throughout Raleigh County,” said Beckley Police Lt. J.R. Corey.  “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Congressman Rahall to support local law enforcement.”

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice through the FY 2012 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to state and local governments to support a broad range of crime control and prevention activities.  Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems.

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