A total of 35 law enforcement agencies in Arkansas will split $1.4 million in U.S. Department of Justice grants to purchase vehicles and equipment for police departments and sheriffs’ offices, members of Arkansas' delegation announced.
The funds are allocated through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
First District:
Crittenden County and the city of West Memphis will share a $92,168 grant. West Memphis will use $80,152 to purchase computer software, a server, flashlights, SWAT team entry glasses, protective gear, a surveillance system, an alcohol sensor, night vision camera and tint meters. Crittenden County will use $12,016 to purchase bullet-proof vests and cameras.
Craighead County and the city of Jonesboro will share a $49,583 grant and use their funds to purchase laptop computers, digital recording systems, and other electronic equipment.
Mississippi County, the city of Blytheville and the city of Osceola will share a $42,907 grant. Mississippi County will use its funds to purchase digital communication equipment. Blytheville will use its funds to purchase uniform hat badges, handheld breath alcohol analyzers, office chairs, digital audio recorders, vest carriers, storage containers, digital camera equipment, and patrol car storage bins. Osceola will use its funds to purchase rifles, handguns, video cameras and ammunition.
Lonoke County will receive a $17,172 grant to purchase portable radios and flashlights for the sheriff’s office.
The city of Paragould will receive a $16,343 grant to purchase computer servers and desktop computers for the police department.
Forrest City will receive a $16,113 grant to purchase breath alcohol analyzers, an intercom system and handheld radar units.
The city of Cabot will receive a $14,364 grant to purchase tasers, air cartridges and ammunition.
Independence County will receive a $14,180 grant to purchase rifles, semi-automatic conversion kits and ammunition.
Second District:
Pulaski County, the city of Little Rock and the city of North Little Rock will share a $569,532 grant. Little Rock will use $398,870 to purchase computer hardware and software, security camera systems, and network connectivity and communication devices. Pulaski County will use $56,120 to purchase a police vehicle, portable breath alcohol analyzers, tasers and rifles. North Little Rock will use $114,542 to purchase police vehicles.
Faulkner County and the city of Conway will share a $27,669 grant and use their funds to purchase camera systems, hard drives, software and a rechargeable battery pack.
The city of Benton will receive a $14,410 grant to purchase Narcotics Management Software and portable breath alcohol analyzers.
The city of Sherwood will receive a $14,410 grant to purchase breath alcohol analyzers, radio systems and modems.
Third District:
Washington County, the city of Fayetteville and the city of Springdale will share a $108,419 grant. Fayetteville will use $48,478 to purchase a scanner, handheld e-ticket system, furniture, motorcycle communication systems, audio and visual equipment, a security door lock system and DVD burner. Springdale will use $41,342 to purchase a computer, handguns and lights. Washington County will use $18,599 to purchase a patrol vehicle.
Sebastian County and the city of Fort Smith will share a $106,946 grant. Fort Smith will use $75,000 to purchase computer software and Sebastian County will use $31,946 to purchase digital video equipment for patrol vehicles.
Benton County will receive a $17,817 grant to provide overtime pay for officers.
The city of Rogers will receive a $15,515 grant to purchase mobile digital recorders, firearms and ammunition.
Pope County and the city of Russellville will share a $14,364 grant. Russellville will use its funds to purchase rifles and Pope County will use its funds to purchase lights for police vehicles and siren control equipment.
Fourth District:
Jefferson County and the city of Pine Bluff will share a $126,557 grant. Pine Bluff will use $115,370 to purchase laptop and desk computers, mapping software, a DVD burner, and other equipment. Jefferson County will use $11,187 to purchase ammunition, forensic equipment, surveillance equipment, bullet proof vests, rifles and other equipment.
Garland County and the city of Hot Springs will share a $82,637 grant. Hot Springs will use $67,491 to purchase audio and video recording devices. Garland County will use $15,146 to purchase first aid stations, a search mirror, breath alcohol analyzers, fingerprint kits, shotguns, and other equipment.
Miller County and the city of Texarkana will share a $66,755 grant. Texarkana will use $45,878 to purchase a new vehicle for its police department and Miller County will use $20,887 to purchase a new vehicle for its sheriff’s department.
The city of Hope will receive a $13,811 grant to purchase a new patrol vehicle.