June 13, 2002 – Last fall, as part of the territory's homeland security initiative in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull directed the Law Enforcement Planning Commission to seek federal funding to support the agencies responsible for protecting the Virgin Islands.
Now, more than a million dollars is on its way from the U.S. Justice Department, with more than half of the funds designated for improving airport security, according to a Government House release.
LEPC director Eddy Charles said the commission was able to obtain the grants because it proposed "excellent crime-fighting projects" developed by the Police Department, Port Authority and other agencies. Among the grants and the projects funded:
– $520,803 for installation of a system to allow airport workers to detect explosives and illegal drugs, for new surveillance systems, and for increasing the rapid-response capability of police and others to airport emergencies.
– $225,780 to support the Police Department bicycle patrol and canine units.
– $239,119 to help police carry out an unspecified project involving the use of technology.
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