NLV Police Department to receive federal funds

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 | 11:56 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday voted to spend $44,000 on the police department to get $400,000 from the federal government.

The decision was a no-brainer, said Lt. Chris Laratonda, a spokesman for North Las Vegas Police.

The city agreed to spend $44,500 toward a federal block grant the Justice Department is offering the police department. The Justice Department is offering the $400,800 as long as the city first agrees to match the amount by 10 percent.

Now that the money has been allocated, the paperwork will be sent back to the Justice Department for the authorization and release of funds. The Justice Department, however, does stipulate that they must be in agreement with the way the police department is proposing to spend the money.

Laratonda said the funds, if approved, will be used for capital improvements and technology -- new computers, hand-held radios and bicycles. It will also go toward paying the salary for the local crossing board director.

"They're the things you need, but maybe just don't have the money for," he said. "We're pushing for computer stuff because we can't keep up with all the (technological) growth."