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Laredo, TX— Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $266,123 in federal funding for the Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sherriff. Specifically, the Laredo Police Department will receive $33,061.50 to hire a network specialist and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will receive $33,061.50 to cover training, equipment, supplies, and hire an intelligence liaison.

“Our local law enforcement require a variety of resources and personnel to keep our South Texas families, friends, and neighbors protected,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These critical funds will provide much-needed support for our law enforcement. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure law enforcement has the necessary funding so they can do their jobs safely and effectively. I want to thank Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Laredo Chief of Police Claudio Trevino and the rest of their team for their tireless work in protecting our communities.”

“With human trafficking and other crimes unique to this area on the rise, this grant will help us tremendously as we work alongside other law enforcement agencies to curtail these atrocities,” said Sheriff Martin Cuellar. “I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for always looking out for ways on how to make Laredo and Webb County a safer place for all.”

“The Laredo Police Department appreciates the award of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) which will greatly enhance our capabilities to ensure safety in our community,” said Chief of Police Claudio Treviño Jr. “Without the assistance of these valuable grant opportunities the Laredo Police Department would not be as capable and prepared as Laredo PD is today. We look forward to many more grant funded opportunities.”

Southwest Border Rural Law Enforcement Information Sharing and Interdiction Assistance

The Webb County Sherriff’s office received $200,000 in federal funds through the Department of Justice’s Southwest Border Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Grants. These funds will help the Webb County Sheriff’s Office hire an intelligence liaison officer who will assist the office in enhancing information sharing, including investigatory and intelligence data. This liaison will work to create collaborative partnerships in sharing intelligence with local, state, and federal agencies.

The Southwest Border Rural Law Enforcement Information Sharing and Interdiction Assistance grant program provides support to sheriffs and rural law enforcement agencies along or near the southwest border.  The program helps to address crime unique to this region including human trafficking, sexual assaults, drug trafficking, and other forms of violent crime.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

The City of Laredo, awarded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, received a total of $66,123 and will be evenly split between Webb County Sheriff and the Laredo Police Department. The JAG Program, administered through the Department of Justice, provides funding for a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.

The Laredo Police Department will receive $33,061.50 to hire a network specialist. The specialist will assist the Laredo Police Department Management Information System (MIS) section in data communications, voice systems, and wiring installations and maintenance. In addition, the specialist will assist in the development and maintenance of the telecommunications system including testing, documenting, and implementing application and system programs.

Through the JAG Program, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will receive $33,061.50 to cover training, equipment, and supplies. The funding will cover training expenses for employees working in crime reporting and grant writing. Additionally, the County Sheriff’s office will use these funds to purchase 27 new safety vests.

In the Picture: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) with Mayor Pete Saenz, Chief of Laredo Police Claudio Treviño, members of Laredo PD, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, and members of Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

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