Updating and Modernizing Equipment for Wayne County Sheriff's Department

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Department will use funding to purchase necessary law enforcement equipment. Wayne County, like many of counties in Illinois and throughout the United States, is facing extreme financial budget restraints. The sheriff's department is operating with outdated, malfunctioning, and poorly equipped patrol units, and deputies are required to carry their personally owned rifles. This funding will assist immensely in replacing outdated and malfunctioning equipment with modern police equipment necessary to effectively combat criminal activity, especially the growing problem of methamphetamine manufacturing and abuse. Equipment purchases will include in-car cameras, radar units, mobile data computers, surveillance cameras, and firearms.

NCA/NCF