Gainesville Police to pursue $11,700 in grants for equipment, education program

The Gainesville Police Department is moving ahead with two grants totaling $11,700 for the purchase of equipment as well as materials to start a new law enforcement education program.
 
The first grant, for $10,700, comes from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and will be used to purchase forensic equipment.
 
"We're looking at getting a drying chamber. When we have crimes that have bloody objects in them, we need to be able to keep them secure, because they're a biohazard," said Martin.
 
The department will apply for the grant funding, pending council approval.
 
The funding for it is determined by congress each year, with a minimum threshhold of $10,000.
 
Another $1,000 is also on the table, courtesy of the Wal-Mart on Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, to start a "Police Explorers" program in the fall.
 
The program will serve people between ages 16 and 21 who might be interested in becoming a police officer, showing them what the jobs takes.
 
"There'll be some competitions with other Explorer groups throughout Georgia, and hopefully we'll have some well-rounded officers when they grow up," said Martin.
 
Gainesville Police will accept the grant money, pending council approval.
 
Neither grant requires a cash match from the city, and both actions face final approval at council's voting session, Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Gainesville Justice Center on Queen City Parkway.