The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

August 3, 2012

Rahall helps pass grants for W.Va. police agencies

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Senate action is pending on a House bill designed to provide essential resources and money for state and local law enforcement crime-fighting initiatives in a broad range of control and prevention activities.

Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., helped approve the so-called Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Reauthorization Act through which grants are funneled to state and local agencies.

Within the past three years, such grants approved for West Virginia law enforcement agencies have averaged $3 million.

Rahall said the money has become particularly critical in fighting the drug epidemic that is prevalent across West Virginia.

“As budget constraints force funding cuts, I will continue to fight to protect this program and other effective crime-fighting initiatives that are so important to the well-being of our citizens and overall health and prosperity of our communities,” the 3rd District congressman said.

Grant money can be applied to state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice.

“Our police officers and sheriff’s deputies are our first line of defense on so many fronts from battling drug abuse to violent crimes,” Rahall said.

“They are the 24/7 watchmen throughout the 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 Congress.”

Rahall said some in Congress are “too shortsighted” comprehend the long-term need for such investments.

“As our state and local enforcement professionals take a step forward in protecting citizens, Congress ought not to take a step backward by cutting the federal funding that protects police officers and sheriff’s deputies and helps give them the tools to do their jobs,” he added.

 

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