FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 23, 2009) – Fleming County Fiscal Court has been awarded $4,763 from the state Law Enforcement Protection Program (LEPP) to purchase tasers, Gov. Steve Beshear announced today.
Under the LEPP, administered by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), appropriate agencies can seek financial help for certain defensive items essential in the course of their duties.
“This is an important grant, because tasers have proven to be an effective tool to combat crime,” said state Rep. Mitchel B. “Mike” Denham. “They also prevent loss of life in many instances. I appreciate Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for considering and selecting Fleming County. This is especially important to the Fleming County Sheriff's office.”
In conjunction with the Kentucky State Police (KSP), KOHS derives income from sales of confiscated weapons. KSP conducts periodic auctions – only to federally licensed firearms dealers – which generate dollars for the LEPP initiative. The KOHS then assesses needs, and after prioritization, provides whatever funds are available in the acquisition of body armor, weapons, ammunition and electronic or muscular disruption technical devices often referred to as tasers.
“Statewide appeals for financial support always exceed resources,” Thomas L. Preston, KOHS executive director, explained, “but we make every effort to respond with a priority focus on law enforcement safety.”
LEPP support goes to police agencies of cities, counties, charter counties, unified counties, urban-counties and consolidated local governments, sheriff’s departments and public university police departments.
