Sorensen Announces Funding to Reduce Crime in Central Illinois
PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen and the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs are announcing $130,464 for the Central Illinois communities 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,” said Sorensen. “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 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. 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,” said Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali.
“Statutorily, Law Enforcement is obligated to maintain digital evidence. These funds will be essential for the Peoria Police Department to safely and securely maintain our digital evidence for years to come,” said City of Peoria Chief of Police Eric Echevarria.
"With the Justice Assistance grant, we're making significant strides towards modernizing our police technology and equipment, enhancing our ability to serve and protect the community effectively," said Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington. "This investment underscores our dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents."
“As always, the Town of Normal appreciates the partnership and support of all our local, state and federal partners,” said Town of Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli. “These funds will enhance public safety through technology. NPD allocated these funds for technology that aids in both preventing and investigating crime in our community.”
The funding was awarded as part of DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to help prevent and address crime in Central Illinois communities.
As part of the funding, the City of Peoria and Peoria County are receiving $91,915 to upgrade server storage capacity to support the use of body cameras, as well as acquire bulletproof vests and traffic cameras.
An additional $38,549 will be awarded to the City of Bloomington, the Town of Normal, and McLean County, to upgrade a variety of technologies and equipment to 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.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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