First State public safety agencies have more responsibilities under Gov. John Carney’s COVID-19 State of Emergency order.
And the federal government is doing its part to help them deal with those needs.
The U.S. Department of Justice says $850 million is now available to public safety agencies nationwide as part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program. U.S. Attorney for the Delaware District David Weiss says the money is needed as law enforcement takes on more during the pandemic.
“It’s essential that we do what’s necessary to give them the tools required to fulfill these added responsibilities and also be of assistance in whatever way possible to our medical community who is as you know is on the frontline of this crisis,” Weiss said.
Delaware is receiving $3.5 million under the program. Weiss says half of the funds has already been allocated to county and municipal agencies throughout the state. The rest will be used on a need-basis over the next sixty days.
“As municipalities and other portions of our state develop various needs, all they have to do is submit those requests and applications to the BJA (Bureau of Justice Assistance) and they will be considered on a rolling basis,” Weiss said.
Agencies may use the funds to hire additional personnel, pay overtimes costs, and cover other expenses related to COVID-19.
Wilmington is scheduled to receive the largest allocation among municipalities, getting $640,400. Delaware’s capital, Dover, is getting $159,519. New Castle County receiving the largest among the state's counties - $548,419. Kent and Sussex Counties are each receiving $58,008.
