Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the award of $23,898 to the City of Scranton for the purchase of two new police cars for general patrol use.  The award was made by the U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

“Federal funding for public safety equipment upgrades frees Scranton’s own funds to pay for the police officers themselves, and for other critical needs,” Cartwright said.  “Local budgets remain stretched and strained, but we cannot compromise on effective law enforcement and quality of life in our community.”

New police vehicles added to the Scranton fleet are typically fitted with on-board computers, which keeps officers on the beat longer.  Additional vehicles also allow the city to handle car maintenance challenges while still keeping needed officers out on patrol.

The Scranton Police Department received a similar award last October (2013).  “Hot-seated” Scranton Police patrol vehicles are operated 24-hours a day, seven days a week and have a life span of only about four years.