RI to receive crime prevention grants

PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI)- - Federal crime prevention grants to enhance Rhode Island’s crime lab and medical offices are announced by Senator Reed.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced today that over $338,0000 will go to help upgrade equipment, technology and law enforcement throughout the state.

The Rhode Island Department of Public Safety will receive $199,728 in federal grant money to improve several different areas of the forensic crime labs throughout the state.

Likewise, several police departments including Central Falls, Cranston, Coventry, East Providence, North Providence, Warwick and West Warwick will receive the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants to help them purchase new equipment and hire new personnel.

“These federal funds will help cities and towns purchase new equipment and support ongoing operations while also reducing the number of backlogged forensic cases. These grants allow local law enforcement officials and forensic scientists to use federal dollars to address some of their most pressing needs,” Reed said.

The grants will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.