SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $280,000 TO HELP PREVENT AND COMBAT CRIME IN CITY OF NORWICH

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded a total of $288,188 through the FY 09 Recovery Act Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Program. This money will be used to support a variety of initiatives for Norwich, including the salary of a plainclothes detective who will work specifically towards combating drug and firearm related crimes; a position impossible to fund without the Recovery Act grant.  

"We can always do more to keep our towns and cities in New York safe. Prevention is the first step, and it is funding like this that makes it work" Schumer said. "Funding programs like these will make our communities safer and also create jobs in the process."

The city of Norwich will also direct the funds towards purchasing an unmarked police car, a GPS tracking device, a digital recording system, and covert body wires. These tools will all enhance undercover operations. The equipment bought is anticipated to be Americanmade so as to help the local economy at the same time.

The Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs Program, administered by BJA, helps rural states and rural areas prevent and combat crime, especially drugrelated crime, and provides for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address rural needs.