Police, sheriff receive federal stimulus

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The Alexandria Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are two of 13 law enforcement agencies in Central Minnesota to receive federal economic stimulus funds.

Although the money hasn’t officially been given to either agency, a press release from Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office said the funds was disbursed in early March.

The money – $12,497 for the Alexandria Police Department and $12,763 for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – comes from the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Police Chief Rick Wyffels and Sheriff Troy Wolbersen said the money will be useful, but won’t restore a fraction of the money that has been cut from each of their agencies.

They also noted that as long as they fill out the necessary paperwork to apply for the funds, each of the departments would receive the money.

Klobuchar said the funding will help local municipalities at a time when cities are facing the prospect of deep budget cuts and layoffs.

In total, the state is set to receive more than $29 million in federal funding in Byrne grants to help save and create jobs for those tasked with the role of keeping local communities safe.

“One of the first effects of a bad economy is a spike in crime,” said Klouchar. “This funding will help law enforcement with the increase in crime while providing jobs and much needed resources to local municipalities facing budget shortfalls.”

According to Klobuchar’s office, Byrne grants provide support to local law enforcement authorities for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, anti-gang efforts, specialized prosecutors and other crime-fighting initiatives.

President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the dispersal of the $2 billion in funding allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state and local law enforcement assistance is available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance program.

The funding is dedicated for the following:

•Law enforcement programs.

•Prosecution and court programs.

•Prevention and education programs.

•Corrections and community corrections programs.

•Drug treatment and enforcement programs.

•Planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs.

•Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

Tags: news, police, sheriff, economic, stimulus, money