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Stimulus Package Could Bring Millions To Local Law Enforcement

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 6, 2009

Bay-area law enforcement agencies could receive a total of about $9 million for personnel and specialized programs under a federal grant program, the White House said today.

President Obama announced Friday that $2 billion from the federal stimulus package is designated for law enforcement under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.

Visiting a class of police recruits in Columbus, Ohio, Obama said the funds are "a vital component in our effort to not just revive our economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security."

Florida agencies are eligible for more than $135 million under this initiative, with about $9 million earmarked for agencies in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Hillsborough County could be allocated about $2 million, the Justice Department said. Tampa and St. Petersburg are eligible to receive about $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Even smaller municipalities can receive funding. For instance, Mulberry is eligible for about $12,000, and Zephyrhills is eligible for about $28,000, the Justice Department said.

Each agency has to apply for the money under guidelines set by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

"We're thrilled to get federal dollars during such tight economic times," Tampa Police Department spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

The Tampa Police Department has received Byrne grant money since 2005. One year the department received $650,000; last year it received $145,000, McElroy said.

The grant typically specifies whether the money should be used for technology, staffing or special programs, McElroy said.

In previous years, the police department has used such funding to purchase Tasers for all officers, satellite phones for hurricane season and an in-car video system to record evidence in certain cases, she said.

Other money from the grant has paid for extra staffing at shopping malls during the holiday season and administrative costs for street crime and drug operations, McElroy said.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

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