(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance funding for cities and towns in the Second Congressional District. The funding comes through the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

“This funding should help strengthen our local police forces and allow them to build a stronger presence in our neighborhoods,” said Langevin. “These grants give municipalities the discretion to make improvements beyond their standard expenditures and help build safer communities.” 

• Providence will receive $388,104 to conduct extended foot and bike patrols in high crime areas of the city and to pay overtime.
 
• Cranston will receive $47,091 to improve its ability to collect and share information from other agencies. The funds will go towards purchasing nine new desktop computers and software and fitness equipment.
 
• West Warwick will receive $21,807 to purchase computer equipment and visual aid items for the police department’s Youth Center. The funds will also go towards installing and upgrading computer technology to investigate computer crimes and other internet generated crimes and fund a portion of the Live Scan fingerprint systems.
 
• Johnston will receive $16,224 to purchase and install three new mobile data terminals in their cruisers.

Byrne Grants allow states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grants can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs and 6) planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs.

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