Pallone Helps Secure Nearly $2.5 Million For Community Policing

Long Branch, NJ -- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced he has helped secure nearly $2.5 million in federal funding for Highland Park, Neptune, Perth Amboy, Sayreville and Old Bridge police departments. This funding was made possible through the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Hiring Program (CHP), Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program (LEMHWA), and Technology and Equipment Program (TEP). These funds will be used to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts by hiring officers, improving access to mental health and wellness services for officers, and acquiring effective equipment and technologies.

"We rely heavily on our local law enforcement officers to build relationships with the communities they serve, and to work together to prevent crime and promote public safety," said Congressman Pallone. "I'm grateful to our law enforcement officers who work hard to help make New Jersey a safe place to live. I'll continue advocating for federal funding to ensure our municipalities have the resources they need to promote public safety."

Grant awards are as follows:

2024 Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) Awards

• Highland Park - $375,000 to hire 3 officers
• Neptune - $375,000 to hire 3 officers
• Perth Amboy - $250,000 to hire 2 officers

2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program Awards

• Sayreville - $162,050 to support its Psychological Wellness Program

2024 COPS Office Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) Awards

• Old Bridge - $1.3 million

"This generous grant from the Department of Justice will help strengthen our police department and enhance public safety in Highland Park. We are committed to ensuring a safer community for all, and this funding allows us to continue that important work. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Congressman Pallone for his support and to the Department of Justice for this critical investment in our future," said Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster.

"Strong communities are safe communities, and that is what we strive for every day in Neptune Township," Mayor Tassie York said. "We are grateful for the tireless support of Rep. Frank Pallone and his efforts to secure this funding which will play a critical role as we push forward on building an even better Neptune Police Department," said Neptune Township Mayor Tassie D. York

"Our priority is to ensure our students feel safe and supported at school. In response to growing safety concerns across the country, the city and school district in Perth Amboy have teamed up to take proactive steps, maintaining a secure and focused learning environment for our students. With the support of Congressman Pallone and the COPS Hiring Program, we are bringing in specially trained School Resource Officers (SROs) to work directly with our schools. This strong partnership highlights our shared commitment to safety, giving students, teachers, and families the confidence that we're doing everything to protect and support our community."said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba.

"I am pleased the Borough will be receiving $162,050 from the federal Department of Justice through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program," said Sayreville Mayor Kennedy O'Brien. "I want to extend my appreciation to Congressman Pallone for his efforts, as this grant will allow the Sayreville Police Department to enhance mental health and wellness resources for our officers, ensuring they are well-supported in serving and protecting our community."

"I would like to thank the Department of Justice for considering our application and awarding this grant to Old Bridge Township which will assist our Police Department in upgrading its technology equipment, emergency operations center, and much more," said Old Bridge Mayor Debbie Walker.

Additionally, New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety received $4 million to investigate illicit activities relating to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, or prescription opioids, as well as $1 million to investigate precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers.

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