WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced two federal crime-fighting grants from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services will receive $71,530 from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program. The City of Parkersburg will receive $39,975 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG). These grants will enable state and local law enforcement agencies to purchase needed resources and equipment, and will bolster forensic science education and training.
“West Virginia welcomes funding to support the efforts of our law enforcement agencies and improve forensic science investigations. These grants will help protect police officers, keep our communities safe and solve crimes. I am glad this critical funding is heading to the Mountain State,” said Senator Capito.
“This funding will go a long way in supporting our law enforcement officials in Parkersburg and across West Virginia as they work to protect our communities. It will also fund the drug treatment and enforcement programs that West Virginia relies on in the wake of the opioid epidemic plaguing our state. I’m pleased to see this Department of Justice funding head to West Virginia communities,” Senator Manchin said.
The Byrne JAG Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their state’s specific needs. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice.
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program awards funding to states and local governments to help improve forensic science and medical examiner services.
Individual grants are listed below:
$39,975 - City of Parkersburg, Byrne JAG grant – Funds will be used to purchase firearms, Tasers and in-car computers for law enforcement officers.
$71,530 - West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grant – Funds will be used for continued education and equipment aimed at meeting the following goals:
1) Provide continued education recommended by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), the Laboratory’s accrediting body.
2) Provide continued education to forensic examiners to maintain their certification.
3) Increase case throughput of the Firearm/Toolmark and Drug ID Sections of the Laboratory by acquiring new instrumentation.
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