Funds earmarked for West Virginia law enforcement

West Virginia officials are espousing the benefits of a $2.5 million Department of Justice (DOJ) funding allotment to aid several local police departments.

Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) said the $2,564,147 in funding allows law enforcement agencies to hire additional full-time law enforcement professionals.

“It is great to see this funding heading to support our law enforcement community, especially from such a competitive program like CHP,” Capito said. “This program will help provide direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers and help local police forces in West Virginia prevent crime. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and I will continue to deliver the resources needed to give our residents the peace of mind they deserve back home.”

Municipalities receiving allocations include the City of Beckley – $625,000; the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department – $375,000; the Logan County Sheriff’s Department – $373,103; and the Corporation of Ranson – $250,000.

“The outpouring of community action and civic engagement across West Virginia in the last several weeks have reminded us of the consequences of poor relationships between communities and the police officers who serve them,” Manchin said. “This funding invests in community policing efforts to ensure police departments across West Virginia are able to continue moving forward in serving our communities where every citizen is treated fairly in the eyes of the law, regardless of their race.”