Huntington, WV, grapples with one of the highest crime rates in the nation, with residents facing a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime

The City of Huntington, West Virginia was awarded a $1,300,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Congressionally Recommended Awards program (CFDA 16.753). The grant funding will be used to modernize the Huntington Police Department (HPD) by providing officer and cruiser mobile technologies, crime detection tools, and essential training. This investment aims to enhance the HPD's policing efforts, streamline investigations, and improve crime-solving capabilities to address Huntington's high crime rates. The two-year grant period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. By equipping officers with state-of-the-art equipment and training, the project seeks to improve resource deployment, crime prevention, detection, and resolution, ultimately benefiting the Huntington community and enhancing officer safety.

Over 97% of WV communities have lower crime rates than huntington, highlighting an urgent need for effective law enforcement solutions. Modern technology, training, and equipment are crucial for improving resource deployment, crime prevention, detection, and resolution. To address these challenges, we request $1,300,000 for officer and cruiser mobile technologies, crime detection tools, and essential training. Modernizing the huntington police department (HPD) will significantly benefit the community and enhance officer safety. Currently, the HPD operates with outdated equipment, compromising efficiency and safety. This investment will enhance policing efforts, streamline investigations, and improve crime-solving capabilities, representing a prudent use of taxpayer funds. By equipping officers with state-of-the-art tools, HPD can perform duties more effectively, benefiting the city and its residents.