For Release: Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

EAST ST. LOUIS AND BELLEVILLE RECEIVE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the City of East St. Louis and the City of Belleville have received a $172,974 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.  The Byrne Justice Assistance grant program allows local governments to support activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.

East St. Louis will use $95,136 to purchase equipment for police vehicles, taser units, digital recorders and a video camera.  Belleville will use $77,838 for computer equipment, taser units, radar units, protective gear and digital cameras. 

"We know that these types of programs enhance the ability of local law enforcement to do their jobs," said Costello, a former law enforcement official.  "By reducing and preventing crime we are not only making our neighborhoods safer, we are making economic development possible."

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