Friel presents grant to North Coventry Police
Funding will support traffic enforcement, criminal investigations and officer safety
Rep. Paul Friel May 16, 2024 | 4:03 PM
POTTSTOWN, May 16 – State Rep. Paul Friel presented a grant of $146,125 to the North Coventry Township Police Department on Wednesday.
The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and will be used to replace an aging police vehicle and purchase updated equipment, including stationary license plate recognition cameras to aid in criminal investigations and motor violations.
“Equipping police officers with high-quality effective tools means better protection for both officers and the people they serve,” Friel said. “It’s about investing in our local police force and putting officers in the best possible position to serve our communities and uphold justice.”
Funding also will be used to replace officers’ tasers, which are at end of their recommended lifespan for safe usage. The department says implementing the use of tasers has allowed officers to better deescalate incidents and potentially prevent the need for greater physical force.
“We would like to thank Representative Paul Friel and his office for their support that they gave toward this grant,” said North Coventry Police Department Chief Matthew Deichert. “The department will use these funds to purchase equipment that will help officers with their daily assignments and investigations with the focus on keeping our community a safe place to live and work.”