NM Tribes Get Grants For Police Equipment

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Four tribal police departments in New Mexico have been awarded $1.25 million in grants from the federal government's Office of Community Policing Services.

The grants will support American Indian law enforcement agencies by funding the salaries and benefits of additional sworn officers. The money can also be used to purchase equipment and pay for training.

Jemez Pueblo and the Navajo chapter at Ramah will use the funding for equipment and to hire one new officer each. Isleta Pueblo and the Jicarilla Apache tribe will use their funds for equipment.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the grants are an important investment in reducing crime in Indian Country.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.