SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - The Newton Police Department (NPD) will receive $250,000 in federal funding to support training and technology updates as well as emergency response capabilities.
On September 9, NPD Chief Daniel Finkle joined U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel Perez and other law enforcement leaders to announce the federal funding, WRNJ Radio reported. Gottheimer's office said Newton will receive $200,000 for a real-time intelligence platform in addition to $50,000 being provided to each municipality in his district for counterterrorism training.
A portion of Newton's funding will be used to provide officers with advanced tactical and counterterrorism training to prepare for acts of terrorism, violent incidents at schools and houses of worship and other threats. Training will also address emerging threats involving artificial intelligence, unmanned aircraft systems and other technologies.
The funding will also support technology intended to improve communication, situational awareness, coordination and integration among emergency responders.
"This $250,000 investment represents a significant step forward for public safety in Newton,” said Newton Police Chief Daniel Finkle. “The threats facing law enforcement and our communities continue to evolve, and our officers need the training and technology necessary to evolve with them. This funding will help prepare our officers to respond safely and effectively to violent incidents in our schools, houses of worship, and throughout our community, while also strengthening our ability to address emerging threats involving drones, artificial intelligence, and other new technologies."
The chief said the federal funding will allow the department to access training and technology without placing the entire cost on local taxpayers.
"For a small community, access to this level of training and technology can otherwise be difficult to achieve without placing a significant burden on local taxpayers. These are federal dollars that Congressman Gottheimer helped claw back from Washington so they can be invested right here in Newton and Sussex County. That means better-trained officers, stronger capabilities, and a safer community without asking our local taxpayers to shoulder the entire cost."
Newton Town Manager Thomas S. Russo Jr. said the funding will allow the town to invest in public safety while reducing the financial impact on taxpayers.
"This funding allows the Town of Newton to make an important investment in public safety while reducing the financial impact on our local taxpayers. Providing our police officers with the training, technology, and resources they need is essential to maintaining the high level of service our residents expect. We are grateful to Congressman Gottheimer for recognizing the needs of local law enforcement and helping bring these federal dollars back to Newton,” Russo said.
Mayor Matthew S. Dickson also commented on the federal funding. "This is exactly the kind of partnership that works for a town our size,” said Mayor Matthew S. Dickson. “Federal resources, local decision-making, and a police department that knows this community. I thank Congressman Gottheimer for delivering for Newton, and Chief Finkle for positioning our department to put these dollars to their best use."
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