U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) secured approval by the full House of Representatives of $650,000 from the COPS Law Enforcement Technology and Interoperability Program for Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology for Law Enforcement agencies throughout Cabell County under the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act of 2008.

"The very qualities that make Southern West Virginia great-its rugged topography and rural nature-often make it difficult for law enforcement to effectively and efficiently perform their duties," said Rahall. "West Virginia residents deserve the same police protection that is already being provided in many other parts of the country. I am thrilled to have gained approval for funding to bring better technologies to our courageous officers so they can keep our great state safe."

The $650,000 secured by Rahall includes $300,000 for the Cabell County Sheriff's Department, $200,000 for the City of Huntington Police Department, $100,000 for the City of Barboursville Police Department, and $50,000 for the City of Milton Police Department. It will be used to purchase state-of-the-art GPS equipment for Cabell County law enforcement and roving police units. This equipment will be used to expand paperless technology to process and disseminate background checks and other information involving highway develop

Rahall's funding will also help develop an interoperable communication system that will aid in automated field data reporting and records management as well as computer aided dispatch among selected law enforcement agencies.

COPS, or Community Oriented Policing Services, program has been instrumental in putting more police officers on the beat and providing modern technology to fight crime and keep our neighborhoods safer.

Earlier this year, Rahall co-sponsored landmark legislation, the COPS Improvement Act of 2007, to rebuild the COPS hiring grants program, authorizing a total of $1.15 billion over six years and allowing for the hiring of up to 50,000 new officers. This legislation was endorsed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities.

"This new funding, which I requested, will provide Cabell County with some of the most modern crime-fighting equipment available," said Rahall. "With this equipment, our 911 dispatchers will be able to tell exactly where their law enforcement assets are at all times. I am proud to be of service to our law enforcement officers as they work to catch criminals and respond to emergencies."

The U.S. Senate must now approve its own version of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008. The two versions will have to be reconciled in a conference committee and then sent back to both bodies for final passage before being presented to the White House to be signed into law.