1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist

 

August 24, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Project Safe Neighborhood Funds
Awarded to Wheeling Police Department

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that the Office of Justice Programs recently awarded a Project Safe Neighborhoods grant to supplement the law enforcement efforts of the Wheeling Police Department.

According to USA Ihlenfeld, $25,550.00 has been awarded to the Wheeling Police Department to assist with funding of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative based upon a request submitted by Chief of Police Robert G. Matheny. In his grant request, Chief Matheny asked for additional funding for overtime wages for increased patrols on Wheeling Island, which would supplement the Wheeling Police Department’s Community Action Team.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is excited to partner with the Wheeling Police Department in helping to make Wheeling Island a safer place for its residents,” stated USA Ihlenfeld. “My office will work closely with local law enforcement officers in attacking the problems that exist there. We will vigorously prosecute firearms cases under federal statutes, as well as cases with a domestic violence context. The United States Attorney’s Office will also assist in raising community awareness on issues of gun control, stalking prevention, and the safe handling of all firearms.”

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime, links existing local programs together and provides them with necessary tools. PSN takes a hard line against gun criminals, using every available means to create safer neighborhoods; seeks to achieve heightened coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement; and emphasizes tactical intelligence gathering, more aggressive prosecutions, and enhanced accountability through performance measures.

The United States Attorney, working with the PSN Steering Committee, coordinates the planning and implementation of the PSN strategy and uses the funds to support firearm-related initiatives throughout the district. The YWCA of Wheeling will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant.