Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry announced a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant in the amount of $14,000 to the City of Newton Police Department in Catawba County.

The grant comes through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) which helps to ensure that law enforcement and emergency responders can acquire specialized equipment and training to meet their homeland security mission.

"The fine men and women of the Newton Police Department are dedicated to serving their community. I know Chief Brown and his team will put this grant to good use in protecting the safety of the citizens of Newton," said Congressman McHenry.

CEDAP is a mechanism for the Department of Homeland Security to work with local fire, rescue and police departments in strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

"These funds will enable the Newton Police Department to purchase a new dTective Forensic Analysis System," said Newton Police Chief Don Brown. "The dTective is an advanced forensics system that will give the Newton Police better tools for video evidence enhancement, clarification and analysis in criminal investigations."

CEDAP offers equipment in the following categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and vehicle tracking tools. This program also focuses on those smaller communities and metropolitan areas not eligible for the Urban Area Security Initiative grant program to apply for assistance through this program.

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