Published: December 17, 2008 02:55 pm         

Police get $150,000

Grant from Homeland Security will help department share info with others in state

The Stillwater Police Department recently received a $150,000 grant from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program. Judy Stanbery, SPD crime analyst, said the grant, the “2007 Program,” provides funds for intelligence analyst training and equipment needs for intelligence analysts who support Oklahoma’s criminal information sharing network, commonly referred to as the Fusion Center. The SPD crime analyst submits Stillwater area crime information and crime trends to the Fusion Center, Stanbery said. In addition, the analyst communicates with the Fusion Center on a weekly basis by participating in the “Analyst Conference Call” which links up crime analysts from across Oklahoma to share information. The Oklahoma City-based Fusion Center also sends daily e-mails and weekly bulletins. “When there is a threat to America, Oklahoma, or Stillwater, the Fusion Center notifies the analysts across the state of the possible threat,” Stanbery said. “This enables the law-enforcement, emergency-management systems and fire departments to be on a heightened awareness to any possible risks to the Stillwater citizens and to be better prepared to handle the situation should it mature into a real threat.” She said the grant money will allow Stillwater Police Department to acquire expensive equipment it would not normally be able to afford based on the yearly equipment budgets set by the city. “This grant will allow the Stillwater Police Department to become a contributing member of the Fusion Center,” said Stillwater Police Chief Norman McNickle. “In an era where criminals are very mobile, information gathered both nationally and statewide will provide excellent leads for investigating criminal cases. “The information available from the Fusion Center and information contributed by our agency will be an important asset in fighting crime.” Stanbery said, “It is our hope that with the modern equipment purchased, the police department will be able to identify, track and prosecute criminals who prey on our citizens.” She said Stillwater Police Department personnel feel they have been blessed with the award of the grant. “Our officers and investigators as well as communications, records, emergency-management personnel and myself are all devoted workers for the citizens of Stillwater, and everyone strives to do the best job they can with the equipment, manpower and tools available,” she said. “Anything we receive that will help us do a better job is received with thanksgiving of the blessings sent.” Stillwater Police Department is one of nine agencies in the state that employs a full-time crime analyst and was one of the many agencies in the state that was awarded money.

     

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