Press Releases
Pascrell Praises House Investment In Local, National Law Enforcement Initiatives
Washington, DC,
July 27, 2007
PATERSON PD TO RECEIVE $250,000 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today applauded House passage of the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriation bill. The legislation would provide $400,000 for local law enforcement improvements in Passaic County’s two most densely populated cities. The bill also includes adequate funding for the Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) grant program, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other critical justice programs and organizations. The legislation passed by a vote of 281-142. Among the projects included in the bill were requests made by Pascrell for $250,000 to combat the rising tide of drug related gang violence in the City of Paterson, and $150,000 for the Passaic Police Department to purchase a command and communication vehicle. The measure provides the Paterson Police Department with $250,000 to invest in protective equipment, improved communications apparatus, drug deterrent measures, security assessments and other upgrades. “As the former Mayor of Paterson, I know how difficult it is to staff and equip a strong police department,” stated Pascrell, who served as the mayor of Paterson from 1990-1996. “This funding will go a long way towards helping law enforcement fight back the scourge of drug related gang violence that threatens too many of our neighborhoods. I have held numerous meetings with community leaders and local, county, state and federal law enforcement authorities to squash gangs in our cities and suburbs. We are all in this together. Building safe, secure communities is the only way to ensure a future of social and economic growth in Paterson.” “Communication is a critical factor in the public safety equation,” stated Pascrell. “I am proud to assist the Passaic Police Department secure the necessary resources to establish a mobile command center in high crime areas and during emergency situations.” The appropriation bill, which funds the Departments of Commerce and Justice, as well as the Small Business Administration, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, NASA, National Science Foundation, U.S. Trade Representative, and the Security Exchange Commission, will provide $54 billion in funding for these various departments and agencies. Notable funding increases in the legislation include $725 million for the COPS program, a full $693 million increase over the President’s request. Included in the proposed funding is $100 million for the “COPS on the Beat” hiring program, which the president has not funded since 2005. The Congressional Research Service estimates that $100 million would put 2,800 more police officers on America’s streets. In addition, the DEA would stand to gain a $125 million increase to fight illegal drug use. Funding includes $20.5 million for Mobil Enforcement Teams to assist local law enforcement entities attack violent drug organizations in local communities. Funding for the program was eliminated in the President’s budget. “I urge the President to take a close look at the bottom-up approach this funding measure takes towards local law enforcement. Proven programs such as the COPS grant must be restored to the levels requested by local law enforcement administrators. It is critical that the federal government provide first responders with the personnel, technology, and other resources necessary to achieve the highest standard of public safety in our communities.” ### |