U.S. Representative Nick Rahall, Member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.) Wednesday announced Federal funding for the Huntington Police Department and Cabell County Sheriff to strengthen crime control and prevention. The lawmakers noted that, though approved, the actual award of the monies is currently delayed due to the shutdown of the Federal government.
"With these funds, Huntington will be able to build on its success in cleaning up crime in neighborhoods. Dedicated officers will be working extra hours to build important bonds in neighborhoods and strengthen personal relationships between officers and youth to prevent crime. These funds are the proverbial win-win for families, businesses, Huntington, and Cabell County. In the not so long run, these funds translate into less crime, more productive citizens, stronger communities and a safer, more cohesive Nation," said Rahall.
"Byrne Grants help local communities address their most pressing law enforcement needs, including the epidemic of drug abuse," said Rahall. "Our State's county sheriffs and police departments know the importance of Byrne Grants and have done a lot of good in using those funds to purchase necessary equipment and strengthen crime control and prevention in our communities. As Washington remains entangled in an unnecessary shutdown, I will continue to press to prevent law enforcement and public safety programs needed by our communities from being undercut."
The City of Huntington and Cabell County Sheriff's Department will jointly receive a $49,600 Federal grant. The Huntington Police Department will use a portion of the funds to enhance its community policing through directed patrols, which includes overtime pay for police officers to attend monthly neighborhood watch meetings, while the remainder of the funding will be used by Cabell County Sheriff's Department towards the purchase a new patrol vehicle.
The funding was approved, prior to the government shutdown on October 1, by the U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to state and local governments to support a broad range of crime control and prevention activities. Rahall noted that the funding likely cannot be transmitted until the government shutdown is ended and Federal agencies resume full operations.