“It’s critical we provide the best enforcement possible to keep criminals off the streets and in jail,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Additionally, its important Montana’s law enforcement officers have the best possible facilities and equipment to keep them safe.  These funds will help increase security in the Billings area.”

            The bill includes $220,000 for the Billings Police Department Digital Video Camera Project.  This request will equip the Billings Police Department's fleet of 70 patrol vehicles with digital in-car video equipment, which will increase the Department's ability to track day-to-day law enforcement activity and in turn enhance criminal prosecution, officer safety, officer accountability, and protect officers from frivolous complaints. 

            “This equipment will upgrade our entire fleet with state of the art digital equipment,” said Billings Police Chief Rich St. John.  “This will enhance our service to the Billings community and the safety of our officers.  I thank Congressman Rehberg for his efforts.”

            The bill also includes $200,000 for Montana State University–Billings’ (MSU-B) Academic and Skills Development Program at the Montana Women’s Prison.  Montana State University-Billings College of Technology will use the funds to develop a pilot project for an academic development program targeted to inmates at the Montana Women’s Prison. The program would offer inmates general education coursework towards certificate or Associate of Applied Science degrees while at the same time teaching the inmates reading/college survival skills in order to prepare them for employment after prison.