Being a visible force in the community allows our officers to not only receive grants, but to continue to keep our communities safe.
(Dearborn Co., Ind.) - Local police departments are teaming up to receive grants, while creating a greater presence in our communities.
Grants that include OPO, Click It or Ticket and DUI Patrol Enforcement are federally funded grants that are administered through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
The ICJI awards federal and state grants to help local governments, law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to prevent/reduce crime, enforce Indiana traffic laws, improve the criminal justice system and assist victims of crime.
Operation Pullover (OPO) is the primary seat belt enforcement program in Indiana, better known as Click It or Ticket. It is a grant that is awarded to police departments that have "high visibility" department to promote safe driving.
DUI Patrol Enforcement allows officers to participate in overtime-funded impaired driving patrols.
Dearborn Co. Sheriff's Department, Lawrenceburg, Dillsboro, Aurora and Greendale Police Departments have worked together to receive a total of over $72,000 in grant funds.
The departments hold four blitzes to reduce injuries and deaths. They focus on safe family travel, seat belt safety, impaired drivers, and dangerous driving.
This money will be shared by all four departments to purchase items such as scanners, radars, and printers.
One of the new additions will be E-Bikes and E-Bike training for Greendale and Lawrenceburg officers.
These will help keep officers visible in highly trafficked and hard to reach areas, like the Dearborn County Trail, and allow them to do community outreach at events such as, Fall Fest, different 5K races, and Music on the River.
Eagle Country spoke with Captain Brian Miller who tells us the local departments value ties to the community, it helps develops bonds, which is important.