Local News: Local Law Enforcement Funding Increased By Stimulus

Law Enforcement to Get $425,000
By Cassie Smith

From the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Brazos County law enforcement agencies will receive more than $425,000 from economic stimulus legislation signed by President Barack Obama last month.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards announced Thursday that the money would be distributed through the Justice Assistance Grant program to the Brazos County Sheriff's Department and the College Station and Bryan police departments.

The funds can be used to hire officers, upgrade equipment and keep the streets safe, said Chris Chwastyk, Edwards' chief of staff.

Officials from all three agencies said they were grateful to Edwards for ensuring the funding for their agencies.

Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk said his department would use the $23,752 it will get in a responsible manner.

"It's been an unexpected amount of money," Kirk said, adding that he learned about it Thursday.

Kirk said the department might use the funds for technology projects, which have been funded through grant money.

Kirk, who was in Nevada for a sheriffs' convention Thursday, said he would have to review the guidelines for using the money before deciding how to spend it.

"We're excited about it," Kirk said.

The Bryan Police Department will receive $293,158 through the program, and Assistant Chief Wayland Rawls said officials would begin studying where to use the money.

"This is a lot of money, and we want to make sure we use it to the best use for the citizens of Bryan," Rawls said. "We believe if we properly use this money that we can make a drastic impact in crime."

Deputy Chief Peter Scheets said the funds probably would be applied toward equipment, technology and operations.

College Station Police Chief Michael Ikner said his department would likely use its $108,511 to purchase technology and equipment.

The funds will help the department in its mission of reducing crime and the fear of crime, improving the quality of life and building partnerships, he said.

It was unclear Thursday when the money would be disbursed.

POLICE FUNDING

Area law enforcement agencies will receive funding from the economic stimulus legislation

* Brazos County Sheriff's Department: $23,752.

* Bryan Police Department: $293,158.

* College Station Police Department: 108,511.

Published Friday, March 06, 2009