Laredo, TX  – Rep. Henry Cuellar announced today that the City of Laredo has been awarded a $125,687 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Program. These funds, which will support equipment and technology initiatives, will be used for both the City of Laredo and the Webb County Sheriff’s Department.

Specifically, the Laredo Police Department will use awarded funds for the purchase of a Tag-Nabit Vehicle Identification System for its patrol units. This device will enable officers to read license plates by scanning up to 60 vehicles per second. The system is connected to a database and allows readings at residential and highway speeds.

Funds from this grant will provide police officers with the ability to track stolen vehicles through license plate reading technology. This technology will provide a brief description of each vehicle in question. In addition, the Police Department will purchase Segway transport vehicles to facilitate community policing efforts. Segways permit officers to quickly transition from walking to sprinting speeds. These transport vehicles will be extremely beneficial in the Laredo downtown area.

The Webb County Sheriff’s Department will institute technological improvements by purchasing a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and accompanying antennas. This system will help increase the safety of deputies in the field by tracking active patrol units with pinpoint precision.

“This equipment that will be purchased by both agencies is vital for their daily operations,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I am well aware of the importance of technology when it comes to fighting crime. I will continue working hard to ensure that our first responders are well protected.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

# # # #