Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $300,000 to reduce and discourage crime in northeast Alabama through updated technology and increased cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
The grant will enable the Oxford Police Department to establish the East Metro Area Crime Center, which will serve law enforcement agencies in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega counties.
“The combination of advanced technology and a cooperative spirit among these regional law enforcement agencies means the public wins and the criminals lose,” Ivey said. “I am so thankful the sacrifices and dedication shown by those who wear a badge, and I am pleased to support this new center.”
Law enforcement agencies in the six-county region will be able to assign full or part-time officers at the center where they will have access to monitor information and share with other law enforcement agencies. A similar center operates in Jefferson County. The Alabama Department of Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in being a partner in this project to increase public safety in northeast Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect our communities and this center will give them additional resources to fulfill their public safety duties.”
Ivey notified Oxford Mayor Alton Craft that the funds had been awarded.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley