East Brunswick police receives $12K grant

By nicole c. vaccaro

Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK — The township police force will receive $12,148 in federal grant money to help reduce crime.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance Local Law Enforcement block grants program, created in May 1996 to reduce crime and improve public safety throughout communities nationwide.

It was created by the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2000 by the departments of Justice and Commerce.

The funds can be used for various purposes including hiring and training personnel, procuring equipment and technology, and enhancing security measures around schools.

Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) announced the award in a press release last week.

"One of the most useful and successful ways of lowering crime rates in our communities is by making sure that municipalities have the resources necessary to enforce our laws," Holt said. "I believe that this is critical for us to be able to maintain vibrant local economics and to maintain security in our towns."

"Programs such as this allow local municipalities to use this money as they think best under the guidelines established by Congress," said Holt

East Brunswick police Sgt. Russ MacArthur said this year’s grant will be used to purchase specialized equipment for patrol cars.

This may include items such as light bars and rearview mirror lights.

"This is a standard grant that we are fortunate enough to get every year," said MacArthur. "It is customarily used toward vehicle maintenance and upgrading, which is always welcomed."