Northhampton News

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $170 million in grant money will go to more than 220 law enforcement agencies and county district attorney offices through a pair of new programs for community safety improvements.

“These grant programs are one more tool in our toolbox to create safer communities across Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “With adequate resources, our local law enforcement and investigative offices can better protect and serve.”

The programs are the Local Law Enforcement Support Program (LLES) and Gun Violence Investigation and Prosecution Program (GIVIP), which are through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, according to a release on December 15. Funding for the program was through Wolf’s final budget as part of his effort to create “commonsense gun violence protection laws.” There was $120 million given to 197 local law enforcement support programs, and $50 million was given to 29 recipients of the Gun Violence Investigation and Prosecution Program.

Through the LLES program, law enforcement agencies are able to upgrade technology, purchase new equipment, cover various personnel costs, help with retention and recruitment, and also provide training. The priority is for communities with high rates of violence.

With GVIP, county district attorney offices and local law enforcement are given the tools to prosecute firearm violations and investigate incidents. Funding can be used for personnel costs, technology and software improvements, firearm tracing programs and more.

The following Northampton County communities received funding for law enforcement support programs: Bethlehem City, $1,020,499; Bushkill Township, $35,780; Easton City, $768,322; Forks Township, $125,658; Lehigh Township, $378,200; Nazareth Borough, $283,003; Slate Belt Regional Police, $34,000.

The following Northampton County communities received funding for Gun Violence Investigation and Prosecution Programs: Bethlehem City, $350,000; Easton City, $131,868