Washington, D.C.  - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the City of Flint Police Department would receive $600,000 in federal aid to help purchase computers and cameras for 100 police vehicles.  The funds were appropriated by the House in the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 bill at the request of Congressman Kildee.  

“It is crucial that our police officers have the best technology to guarantee the public’s safety,” said Kildee.  “This funding will help to ensure that the excellent police force that protects our families and our neighbors has the tools it needs to remain on the cutting edge of law enforcement.”

The funds would help to introduce new technologies into police vehicles that would decrease police response time and ultimately increase criminal prosecutions.  In-car computers can allow officers to access records and retrieve data from remote locations.

The Department also intends to mount cameras in 100 patrol vehicles.  Cameras would record activities of both officers and the public to a digital source.  Police cameras have been used in court proceedings to identify suspects and to capture details and events that officers may not recognize in tense situations.  Cameras can benefit law enforcement and the public by generating documentation that can be used to protect officers from false accusations as well as to ensure officer accountability. 

“Violent crime in America continues to rise,” said Kildee.  “We must continually provide our law enforcement officers with new tools and methods to combat lawlessness.”

Federal funding for the Flint Police Department must be approved by the Senate and the President to be appropriated.