Funds earmarked for Delaware law enforcement initiatives

Delaware officials are touting $4.2 million in federal funding earmarked for law enforcement initiatives to improve transparency, reduce violence and bolster mental health services.

Gov. John Carney recently joined U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt (D-DE)
in visiting the New Castle County Police Athletic League to detail the allotment. The funds serve as part of nearly $100 million designated for community projects secured by the state’s congressional delegation.

Of the overall funding, $1.9 million would aid the Statewide Group Violence Intervention Program Expansion to the Delaware Criminal Justice Council; $1.6 million is earmarked for the Statewide Body Worn Camera Program to the Delaware Criminal Justice Council; and $749,000 will go to the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Unit Expansion to New Castle County Police Department.

“Building safer communities is on an all-hands-on-deck effort, but it’s critical that our police officers have the resources they need to protect and serve our local communities,” Carper said. “We’re announcing that we secured vital federal funds to help public safety and also help improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I’m proud to be here with the entire Delaware delegation to deliver these critical investments that will help build a safer First State.”

Coons said law enforcement is tasked with responding to mental health crises without being provided appropriate resources and training.

“I’m so glad to join Sen. Carper and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester in announcing $4.2 million Congress has delivered to provide additional resources to our law enforcement and community members,” he said.