Washington, DC (August 28, 2007) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $36,009 to the City of Harlingen, $28,233 to the City of Pharr, and $14,571 to the City of Weslaco under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.  The JAG program enables states and localities to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime.

“This grant will help our police departments deter criminal activity and make our cities safer places to live,” said Hinojosa. “It will enhance our officers’ capabilities by giving them the tools they need to best do their job.”

The City of Harlingen will utilize the grant to improve and upgrade its police department’s computers and hardware. Currently, a number of computer systems have become outdated, which has limited certain technical capabilities within the department. This new equipment will enhance the city’s ability to solve crimes and serve the community.

The City of Pharr will use the funding to purchase in-car mobile computers and accessories for police department vehicles. This equipment will enable officers to transmit and receive data while on patrol. The Weslaco Police Department will utilize the JAG grant to purchase new replacement gas masks and night-vision goggles for its Special Response Team, a group of officers specially trained to respond to natural and man-made disasters.