The new port richey police department proposes to implement the reducing violent crime through technology and community engagement project

The New Port Richey Police Department received a $183,120 Project Grant from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (CFDA 16.738) to implement the "Reducing Violent Crime Through Technology and Community Engagement" project. The project activities include acquiring investigative technology and training staff, outfitting the forensic unit with necessary equipment, developing violence prevention plans with community partners, and installing video surveillance in high crime areas. The key objectives are to expedite investigations, improve forensic analysis capabilities, strengthen community partnerships, and identify and address crime hotspots, with the ultimate goal of increasing arrests and prosecution of violent offenders while preventing violent crime within the city of New Port Richey, Florida. The grant award period runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.

The purpose of this project is to expedite investigation by conducting forensic investigations internally, improve the operation of the forensic unit, strengthen community partnerships by developing violence prevention plans and to identify and address locations that generate the highest percentages of crime. Project activities include acquiring investigative technology and subsequently training staff on proper use, outfitting the forensic unit with necessary equipment, developing violence prevention plans with government and nongovernment entities, and installing video surveillance in high crime areas. Expected outcomes of this project includer quicker investigation timelines, more thorough crime scene analysis with proper equipment, detailed violence prevention plans, installation of surveillance cameras for crime prevention and as an investigation tool. The goal of this project is increased arrests and prosecution of violent offenders and prevention of violent crime. The new port richey police department is the intended beneficiary of this project with the service area being the city of new port richey.