Oregon Public Broadcasting

Law enforcement agencies across Oregon combined forces Tuesday to apply for federal stimulus money.

Sheriff, district attorney, and police departments around the state have suffered steep budget cuts over the last few years. For example, 20 years ago Curry County had 16 deputies – now they have five.

Attorney General, John Kroger, says law enforcement agencies want to put more cops on the street, more patrols on the roads and more prosecutors in Oregon’s courtrooms.

John Kroger: “In the past, rural counties have had a harder time of obtaining federal grant money because they don’t have the resources or the past experience. So today, larger law enforcement agencies are committing to assist our partners in the smaller communities and the rural communities to make sure that they’ll get their fair share.”

The federal stimulus bill includes about $4 billion for law enforcement. Much of it is distributed by a formula based on population. But about half is awarded through competitive grants and that’s where Oregon law enforcement agencies are setting their sights.