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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Chris Gallegos
August 20 , 2009	(202) 224-6414

SEVEN COMMUNITIES GAIN $215,711 IN DOJ FUNDS
TO SUPPORT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS

Cochran Says DOJ Grant Will Support Equipment, Personnel Needs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that seven Mississippi communities have been awarded $215,711 in federal grant funding to improve their local law enforcement efforts.

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved the grants through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program for the cities of Hattiesburg, Meridian, Starkville and Tupelo, in addition to George, Rankin and Tunica counties.

“These grants are worthwhile investments in local law enforcement agencies particularly as many city and county governments face budget problems. The grants will help provide the equipment, training and other support needed to improve public safety through crime control and prevention,” Cochran said.

The Byrne grants are awarded based on law enforcement needs specific to a city or county, including equipment or personnel needs.

The follow is a review of the Byrne grants approved for Mississippi through the DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance:

City of Hattiesburg, with Forrest County: $53,611 to support the purchase of mobile data terminals for the city and a patrol vehicle for the sheriff’s department.
City of Meridian, with Lauderdale County: $53,020 total, with the city using $31,812 to support Directed Action Response Team (DART) overtime costs and $21,208 for the county to purchase portable radios, tasers, vest carriers and an in-car video camera.
Rankin County, with the city of Pearl: $34,868 to purchase law enforcement equipment, including 28 tactical shotguns for the sheriff’s department and 15 radar enforcement devices for the city.
Tunica County: $25,075 to allow the sheriff’s department to establish a website as a county-wide information system that includes public informational messages on most-wanted suspects, sex offender locations, and an online jail roster.
City of Tupelo: $21,782 to support the Tupelo Police Department SWAT unit, including the acquisition of a 12-passenger van with a towing package.
City of Starkville, with Oktibbeha County: $16,126 total, with $15,311 for the city to purchase four in-car video camera systems, and $815 for Oktibbeha County to buy one taser.
George County: $11,229 to hire and equip a part-time bailiff to provide courtroom security.

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