Several police departments in southern Franklin County were among the 161 departments named to receive grants that will support traffic enforcement campaigns and safety equipment.
“Our administration remains committed to maximizing federal resources to support the commonwealth’s cities and towns,” Gov. Charlie Baker stated in a press release. “These grants will provide technology and equipment that enables the dedicated women and men in law enforcement to engage their communities in meaningful ways.”
Whately, Deerfield and Sunderland police departments were among the departments to receive a portion of roughly $7.8 million awarded through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Whately Police Department received $22,380 through the JAG program, which it plans to use to purchase pole-mounted radar speed signs, to expand its body camera program, and to purchase photo and video surveillance equipment, according to a post on the Whately Police Department’s Facebook page.
Deerfield Police Department received two grants. The first grant — a $12,000 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant — will be used to cover the cost of traffic education speed signs.
“This grant will bring our total inventory of educational speed signs to six,” said Deerfield Police Detective Sgt. Adam Sokoloski. “They have been used by the schools, on North Main Street, River Road, Stillwater Road and Thayer Street.”
Additionally, the grant will cover about 200 overtime hours for officers on patrol for traffic enforcement purposes.
The second grant — almost $37,000 through the JAG program — will replace in-cruiser computers, also known as mobile data terminals.
“(The computers) were last purchased in 2012,” Sokoloski explained. “We will be able to purchase six units with related mounting and installation costs.”
And finally, the Sunderland Police Department received a roughly $12,000 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant and a $25,000 grant through the JAG program.
According to the governor’s press release, the JAG program grant will be used for cameras, personnel training and a radar gun.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne