Congressmen Larson, Courtney, Murphy and Himes Secure Funding To Enhance Connecticut Public Safety
For ImmediateRelease
June 18, 2009
Congressmen Larson,Courtney, Murphy and Himes Secure Funding to Update State Police Equipment and
Enhance ConnecticutPublic Safety
FundingProvided in Appropriations Act Passed in the House
Washington, D.C. - Today, TheHouse of Representatives passed the Commerce, Justice, and ScienceAppropriations Act (HR 2847). The bill provides critical investments in ournation's public safety, including $298 million to hire more officers in ourcommunities and $529 million in grants to help law enforcement entities fightand prevent crime.
U.S.Congressmen John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chris Murphy (CT-05),and Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that they have secured $175,000 of federalfunding in the legislation for the Connecticut Department of Public Safety. Allof whom voted in favor of the legislation.
Thefunding will be used to equip Connecticut State Police vehicles with modernizeddigital camera systems. The updated system will allow officers to easilycapture and record both video and audio evidentiary information. Currently, theState Police vehicles are outfitted with outdated and unreliable technologythat relies on VHS tapes to record video and audio evidence.
"Public Safety is acornerstone to the growth and well-being of our state. We must provide ourpolice officers with the equipment to safely and effectively complete theirjobs. This funding will replace outdated equipment and provide our officerswith the necessary tools to properly retrieve and store evidence. This is animportant investment for the State of Connecticut and its citizens, "saidCongressman Larson (CT-01).
"The economy isstruggling and Connecticut's budget is strapped, but nevertheless, thenecessary resources to keep the public safe must be a priority. Refittingour state police vehicles with modern video technology is a benefit both to lawenforcement officers and the public they serve. I am pleased to haveworked with my colleagues to secure this funding in the House-passed bill toassist the Connecticut Department of Public Safety with critical project,"stated Congressman Courtney (CT-02).
Congressman Murphy(CT-05) said, "We ask so much of our police force, as they work tirelessly tokeep our roads and communities safe. This funding recognizes their hard work by providing updated technologyto ensure officer safety and allow them to capture and save valuableevidence. It's a worthwhile investmentin their well-being and in the greater criminal justice system of Connecticut."
"Investing in publicsafety helps keep our communities great places to live and run a business,"said Congressman Himes (CT-04). "These are smart investments in less-costlypreventive and monitoring measures that will save us in the long-run."
The Commerce,Justice, And Science Appropriations Act now goes to the U.S. Senate forconsideration.
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