| July 31, 2009 |
|
Sheriff's Office Seeking Justice Assistance
Grant |
| |
| The Burke
County Sheriff's Office was recently notified that they are eligible to apply
for $13,387 in federal funds from the United States Department of
Justice. |
| |
| The JAG grant
(Justice Assistance Grant) will be used to purchase digital walkie-talkies if
approved, according to Burke County Sheriff John T. McDevitt. |
| |
| The
walkie-talkies would be operable on the "VIPER" network, which recently
established an infrastructure on High Peak Mountain in Burke County. The VIPER
network allows officers to communicate with each other statewide, and with more
clarity than the present VHF analog signal, according to McDevitt. |
| |
| "We're
attempting to keep up with technology that is rapidly being deployed all across
North Carolina," McDevitt said. "Unfortunately, these radios are expensive, and
the county must look for other funding sources because of the current economy
woes." |
| |
| The
walkie-talkies cost in the vicinity of $2,500 per unit, McDevitt said. He
estimates that the Sheriff's Office would need around 100 walkies to equip
sworn officers. |
| |
| Because there
is a stipulation within the grant that requires citizens the chance to make
public comments, the Sheriff's Office will be holding a public comment forum on
Tuesday, August 11th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Sheriff's Office Conference
Room. |
| |
| "We hope the
public sees the need for this technology as much as we do," the Sheriff stated.
"During a recent manhunt in Caldwell County where the suspect shot and killed a
deputy, the VIPER radios proved invaluable. The technology allowed officers
from different agencies to have direct contact with each other." |
| |
| Public
comments will also be accepted by sending an e-mail to
admin@burkesheriff.org , or
contacting Major David Pendley at (828) 438-5511. |
| |
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