Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Harris County will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to hire three deputies to identify hot spots and attempt to identify any terrorist cells in Precinct 7. Funds will cover salary and fringe for three officers and law enforcement supplies to conduct daily law enforcement operations (e.g., protective gear, computer software, trauma kits, defibrillator, trailer to transport items to command station site, generator, cots, etc.).

This project, entitled 'Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program' will help address a documented problem in Harris County. Earmark funds will allow Precinct 7 to identify problems by developing information sharing to preempt terrorist attacks, conducting public education and outreach, conducting a jurisdictional assessment of the Precinct, maintaining a working relationship with other law enforcement agencies, and assisting communities in creating and maintaining a Citizen's Corp Council. Precinct 7 will share information with other local law enforcement agencies, patrol railcars, plants, pipelines, and schools and major universities located in Precinct 7.

Currently, Precinct 7 does not have the capacity or equipment to adequately protect the communities of Precinct 7 against terrorist attacks. Funding this project will enhance local emergency planning, citizen preparedness and participation, law enforcement data sharing, and critical incident management capabilities.

NCA/NCF