Perkins PD receives $26K for crime reduction

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins police is one of 18 departments across the state to receive grant funding from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to help local law enforcement agencies implement violent crime reduction strategies in their communities. State officials announced Tuesday that $1.6 million from the state's Violent Crime Reduction grant program. The $1.6 million in grant funding was distributed to 18 law enforcement agencies in 15 counties. The money will help departments pay for investigative overtime costs, new technology to support crime reduction, targeted patrols in high-crime areas and other initiatives. "The overall goal of this program is to help law enforcement implement public safety strategies that meet the unique needs of their communities," DeWine said. "Many agencies have reported success in solving and preventing crime because of these grants, and I'm glad we're able to continue supporting local communities through this program." Perkins police department received $26,500 in funding from the grant. Township officials intend on spending these funds for: • Investigative overtime costs • New technology to support crime reduction • Targeted patrols in high-crime areas • Other initiatives "This grant is crucial for our department as it allows us to leverage advanced technologies to enhance public safety and effectively reduce crime in our community," Perkins police Chief Jeff Musser said. "The continued support from the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction initiative empowers us to innovate and improve our strategies, ensuring a safer environment for Perkins Township and Erie County as a whole. Since launching the program in 2021, the state has awarded more than $81 million to 175 local law enforcement agencies for developing programs that help prevent and solve incidents of violent crime. The $1.6 million funding encompasses the 13th round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program.