DELANO, Calif. -- On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Bakersfield) announced that a total of $31,924 has been awarded to the City of Delano to support crime prevention and education programs, as well as planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs, Costa's office reported.

Funding was released by the United States Department of Justice through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).

“Byrne JAG funding is critical for our local law enforcement offices,” Costa said. “Funding allows our police departments a wide range of flexibility to prevent and control crime on their own terms and conditions. I know the City of Delano will use these federal dollars wisely.”

The City of Delano, along with the Delano Police Department and the Delano Corrections Department has a goal of enhancing the police department’s crime prevention program by purchasing materials, brochures, community awards and promotional items for officers to use at community events. Increased presence at community events and the ability to provide give-aways enhances officer relationships with the community. Their second goal is to provide essential safety items for police officers and correctional officers via the purchase of communications devices, handheld radios and Tasers.

The Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program funding can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice.

From the office of Congressman Jim Costa