U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen announces funding of over $130k to reduce crime in Central Illinois

PEORIA (25News Now) -U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Rockford) is announcing $130,464 for communities in Central Illinois to use new technologies and equipment to better address crime and keep communities safe.

“Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve our communities, often with strained budgets and without adequate equipment and technology,” he said. “I applaud this vital federal funding coming to our region to help local departments better protect neighborhoods. I look forward to working with local officials to make sure Illinois continues to have a seat at the table when it comes to investments like these.”

The funding was given as part of DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program to help prevent and combat crime in Central Illinois.

“The City of Peoria appreciates the funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to purchase a server to update storage capacity for the retention of videos,” said Mayor Rita Ali. “This award will allow for not only the expansion of our technology, which will help our law enforcement retain records but will also support the surveillance cameras that they use to maintain safety in our community.”

$91,915 will be used for equipment such as bulletproof vests, body cameras and traffic cameras for the City of Peoria and Peoria County. The rest of the funding will be awarded to the City of Bloomington, the Town of Normal, and McLean County to upgrade technologies and improve policing.

The Bloomington Police Department has requested funding to transition information systems to mobile devices to improve department communications and increase efficiency.

The Town of Normal requested funds for camera technologies that support their ability to investigate violent crime. Lastly, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office seeks to acquire exterior vest carriers, helmets, and rifle plates to better protect officers in the line of duty.