In the News

Scranton's, Wilkes-Barre's and Hazleton's police departments will share in $155,662 in federal money that will pay for law enforcement initiatives, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright's office announced.  

Scranton will use its $93,898 to prevent staffing shortages and ensure the presence of community engagement officers in neighborhoods. The officers are meant to build trust and gain cooperation from a community, help with crime reports, assist investigations and work to deter violence. The department will train officers on responding to people with substance use disorders or mental health needs, experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty, veterans, people with disabilities, vulnerable youth and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking.

Wilkes-Barre's $28,820 will cover overtime for officers assigned to high-crime areas, training for dealing with violent crime, and firearms and Taser instructor recertifications.

Hazleton's $11,987 will pay for saturation patrols in high-crime areas.

Coolbaugh and Stroud townships in Monroe County were awarded $20,957 to hire a crisis intervention coordinator for their new crisis intervention team.