Capito Secures CDS Award for St. Albans Law Enforcement Equipment Upgrades

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the City of St. Albans, W.Va. through the DOJ's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office.

This award, which was secured through a CDS request made solely by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), will be used to upgrade camera technologies for local law enforcement to increase transparency and purchase public notification equipment.

"I worked closely with leaders in St. Albans to secure this funding to equip the city's law enforcement officers with the best possible tools to protect and serve residents," Senator Capito said. "This particular CDS award will ensure that police officers have the tools they need to prevent and address crimes while meeting the highest ethical standards. As a member of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work with our local partners to make sure our communities have the resources they need to be kept safe and secure."

"Senator Capito's leadership and determination with respect to federal Appropriations have made a profound impact in the City of St. Albans and many other communities across West Virginia. From constructing a new ambulance station to storm water system improvements, and now these new law enforcement technologies, I and the City of St. Albans are particularly thankful for Senator Capito's diligence to secure federal resources that will make our community stronger. We can't thank her enough for these funds and appreciate the support," Scott James, Mayor of St. Albans, said.

Individual award details listed below:

• $150,000 DOJ CDS award secured solely by Senator Capito for the City of St. Albans, W.Va. to upgrade various camera and public notification technologies, including body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, mobile traffic cameras, and an emergency messaging marquee. This equipment will promote transparency of law enforcement activities, improve the ability to prevent and investigate crime through video evidence in areas of crime uptick or high incidents of motor vehicle accidents through mobile, outdoor cameras (connected to a viewing system currently installed at police headquarters), and improve the ability of the department to communicate essential or emergency information to the community through a scrolling message marquee, such as an active shooter situation or traffic warnings. The project will enhance transparency and communication with the community and enhance crime prevention and investigation for law enforcement.

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