Merski, Harkins: More than $7 million awarded to strengthen Erie County law enforcement, enhance services for crime victims

Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski    December 14, 2022 | 1:56 PM

ERIE, Dec. 14 – More than $7 million in new funding will enhance Erie County law enforcement resources, bolster investigation and prosecution of gun crimes and strengthen services and supports for crime victims, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today.

The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

“The new funding will advance crime detection, investigation and prosecution by putting new tools into the hands of law enforcement,” Merski said. “Our officers will benefit from technology such as 3-D scene mapping software, mobile forensic tools, advance surveillance equipment and other resources to keep our communities safer.”

Harkins said, “I’m encouraged that the new funding includes more than $1.5 million for investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. The new grants will fund advanced equipment such as gunshot detection technology, new evidence processing equipment and special software to aid in gun crime investigations. At the same time, the new funding will enable us to provide additional supports for crime victims and more comprehensive services and advocacy for child abuse victims.”

The lawmakers said the funding includes:

  • $1.6 million to the City of Erie for City Police LLE Support.
  • $1.37 to the City of Erie for enhanced gun violence investigation.
  • $1.2 million Erie County chief executive officer for the Erie County Gun Violence Initiative.
  • $1 million to the county chief executive officer for a county law enforcement technology upgrade.
  • $560,400 to Millcreek Township for the Millcreek Township Gun Violence Initiative.
  • $541,686 to Crime Victim Center of Erie County Inc.
  • $396,000 to Edinboro Borough for the Borough Police LLE resources.
  • $208,000 to Millcreek Township for LE support.
  • $123,200 to Lawrence Park Township for law enforcement technology.
  • $113,600 to Wesleyville Borough for the Wesleyville Police Readiness Project.
  • $53,400 to North East Borough for retention through workplace improvements.
  • $47,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County Inc.
  • $34,000 to Girard Borough for law enforcement technology upgrade and office retention.

More on PCCD funding is available here: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Funding/Pages/default.aspx.