Schumer Announces Over $220,000 Coming To New York Tactical Officers Association In Middletown, Orange County

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that $220,155 has been awarded to the New York Tactical Officers Association in Middletown by the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) from the FY 07 Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, under their Category III Enhancing Local Law Enforcement Funding.  The federal funds will be used to provide standardized training to all tactical law enforcement teams in New York State.

"This is great news for Orange County and the entire State of New York," said Schumer.  "We must do everything we can to ensure that our local law enforcement officers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowhow to protect our communities, and these muchneeded funds will do just that."

The New York Tactical Officers Association will use these federal funds to provide standardized training to all tactical law enforcement teams in the sate. The training will focus on policy, procedures and terminology based on national standards and best practices. Data collected from training participants will also be maintained in a secure database available to state and federal law enforcement for homeland security purposes.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) supports law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, victim services, technology, and prevention initiatives that strengthen the nation's criminal justice system. BJA provides leadership, services, and funding to America's communities by emphasizing local control; building relationships in the field; developing collaborations and partnerships; promoting capacity building through planning; streamlining the administration of grants; increasing training and technical assistance; creating accountability of projects; encouraging innovation; and ultimately communicating the value of justice efforts to decision makers at every level.