For Immediate Release

June 18, 2009

Congressmen Larson, Courtney, Murphy and Himes Secure Funding to Update State Police Equipment and

Enhance Connecticut Public Safety

Funding Provided in Appropriations Act Passed in the House

Washington, D.C. - Today, The House of Representatives passed the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act (HR 2847). The bill provides critical investments in our nation's public safety, including $298 million to hire more officers in our communities and $529 million in grants to help law enforcement entities fight and prevent crime.

U.S. Congressmen John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chris Murphy (CT-05), and Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that they have secured $175,000 of federal funding in the legislation for the Connecticut Department of Public Safety. All of whom voted in favor of the legislation.

The funding will be used to equip Connecticut State Police vehicles with modernized digital camera systems. The updated system will allow officers to easily capture and record both video and audio evidentiary information. Currently, the State Police vehicles are outfitted with outdated and unreliable technology that relies on VHS tapes to record video and audio evidence.

"Public Safety is a cornerstone to the growth and well-being of our state. We must provide our police officers with the equipment to safely and effectively complete their jobs. This funding will replace outdated equipment and provide our officers with the necessary tools to properly retrieve and store evidence. This is an important investment for the State of Connecticut and its citizens, "said Congressman Larson (CT-01).

"The economy is struggling and Connecticut's budget is strapped, but nevertheless, the necessary resources to keep the public safe must be a priority.  Refitting our state police vehicles with modern video technology is a benefit both to law enforcement officers and the public they serve.  I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues to secure this funding in the House-passed bill to assist the Connecticut Department of Public Safety with critical project," stated Congressman Courtney (CT-02).

Congressman Murphy (CT-05) said, "We ask so much of our police force, as they work tirelessly to keep our roads and communities safe.  This funding recognizes their hard work by providing updated technology to ensure officer safety and allow them to capture and save valuable evidence.  It's a worthwhile investment in their well-being and in the greater criminal justice system of Connecticut."

"Investing in public safety helps keep our communities great places to live and run a business," said Congressman Himes (CT-04). "These are smart investments in less-costly preventive and monitoring measures that will save us in the long-run."

The Commerce, Justice, And Science Appropriations Act now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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