As City Budgets Stretch Thin, Udall, Bennet Announce Durango Police Department On Track to Receive $200,000 for Law Enforcement Efforts

CJS Appropriations Bill Contains Critical Funding to Improve Durango Police Department Interoperability, Fight Crime

Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, U.S. Senators for Colorado, announced today that the City of Durango is on track to receive $200,000 to boost the Durango Police Department's local law enforcement efforts and help southwest Colorado law enforcement agencies work together to fight crime.

The funding for the Durango Police Department was approved as part of the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations Act of 2009.

Specifically, the $200,000 will be used to increase the interoperability for Durango Police Officers by providing laptops, 900MHz radios, in-car cameras, and access points for patrol cars. It also provides for a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software system that provides an interface between the in-car computers and Dispatch.

"During these difficult economic times our police face increasing challenges to keep our communities safe," said Udall. "This funding is important because it will go a long way in helping Colorado's finest obtain the resources they need to combat crime successfully."

"Our law enforcement agencies work best when they work together. This funding will help ensure Colorado's police officers have the resources they need to fight crime and keep our communities safe," said Bennet.

The Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act of 2009 now goes to Conference Committee, where differences between the House and Senate-passed versions will be reconciled.