8th District Congressman Announces Nearly $500,000 for Crime Prevention, More Police Officers, Technology and Communications Upgrades

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) announced nearly $500,000 in new federal funds for Bucks County law enforcement. The money comes from the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds were made available by the Department of Justice through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, for state and local law enforcement and criminal justice assistance. The Recovery Act contains more than $4 billion for law enforcement and criminal justice activities and related job creation. Nationwide, this JAG funding totals $2 billion, with $457,661 going to Bucks County municipalities from Bensalem to Quakertown. Money through the JAG Program can be used for a variety of efforts such as staffing, task forces, prevention, corrections and information sharing. These funds, announced Friday by Rep. Murphy – a former criminal prosecutor and the son of a Philadelphia Police Officer – will be used by communities in Bucks County for critical needs such as funding for more police officers, neighborhood safety, gang and drug crime prevention, technology upgrades and boosts to communications and interoperability. The money will be used by states and local communities to enhance their ability to combat crime.

“With communities across Bucks County feeling the effects of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, I am proud to announce this critical funding for local law enforcement,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “I voted for the Recovery package to create jobs, put our economy back on track and boost critical priorities – such as law enforcement. Our police chiefs and public safety officers put their lives on the line for our families every day and I am proud to support them in this difficult time.”

“The funding that the Doylestown Township Police were fortunate enough to receive from the Recovery package will be used prudently to support our police officers as they go about their jobs. As Chief of Police, I am grateful to Congressman Patrick Murphy for his advocating for us to benefit from this important legislation,” said Doylestown Township Police Chief Stephen J. White.

“The use of these funds will certainly help law enforcement here in Bucks County and across the country purchase equipment we don’t have the money for and help offset overtime costs. In the past, Bensalem Township has used this money for special patrols, equipment and other critical funding needs,” said Fred Harran, Public Safety Director for Bensalem Township.

To see the breakdown of JAG allocations for states, territories, and units of local government, visit http://www.recovery.gov/ and http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/recoveryallocations.html.

Local Funding Numbers are Estimates and Represent Potential Allocations for Municipalities in Bucks County

For Immediate Release, March 6, 2009
Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276