City of Las Vegas Copper Wire Theft Prevention 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 Las Vegas will use the Fiscal Year 2009 grant funds for a Copper Wire Theft Prevention Project. The funds will be used to assist the city to combat the rapidly growing crime of copper theft. The goal of the project is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the theft of copper wire and other precious metals within the boundaries of the city of Las Vegas and also maintain public safety. The city plans to address the ongoing theft of copper wire by doing the following: investigate all reported thefts of copper wire; develop reliable confidential informants; monitor recycling centers to identify possible suspects of copper theft; develop municipal, county and state laws closely controlling the sale; the resale of metals by recycling centers; develop liaisons with other governmental agencies, public utilities and private businesses to ensure the flow of information related to copper thefts is available to all concerned task force partners; and arrest suspects based on probable cause. The grant funds will also be used to purchase vehicles, equipment, computers, and for overtime.

NCA/NCF