Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology Project

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.

The city of Lorain will use funds to upgrade law enforcement equipment and technology so that officers will have the necessary tools to provide the level of service that is expected from the city's 64,000 citizens. The objectives of the project are to: (1) adequately arm officers to confront the many dangers that they willingly face each day; (2) install in-car cameras which will provide officers with a safety and operational tool that is crucial to accomplishing their mission; and (3) replace antiquated mobile data computers to increase the police department's technological capacity to prevent and respond to crimes and calls for service. Plans are to replace all departmental primary and secondary duty weapons, purchase 50 in-car video systems, replace 19 mobile data computers, and provide training to officers on how to use the new technology.

NCA/NCF