KNIGHTDALE, NC – Knightdale Police Department was awarded a Byrne Discretionary Grant from the Office of Justice Programs, a division of the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the U.S. Department of Justice.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said. “As we strive to continue providing excellent public safety service to our citizens, I have no doubt this grant will allow my team to be more accessible and available throughout our neighborhoods and patrolling areas.”
Supported by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Chief Capps applied for the grant in 2023. Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent J. Cohen notified Chief Capps of the grant award via letter in August of this year. Through the grant, Knightdale Police Department will receive $360,000—the largest single equipment grant Knightdale has ever received for public safety—to purchase and fully equip five new police cruisers.
“I was proud to secure $360,000 in critical federal funding for the Knightdale Police Department for key updates to their police cruisers,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our community safe, and we must ensure they have the support needed to do their jobs effectively. Our communities are fundamentally safer when police departments have modern, upgraded equipment. I will continue fighting to bring critical federal dollars like this back to Wake County.”
The Byrne Discretionary Grant Program provides grants to assist in improving the criminal justice system, preventing or combatting juvenile delinquency, and assisting victims of crime other than compensation.
“I commend Chief Capps for his forward-thinking decision to pursue this funding,” Knightdale Mayor Jessica Day said. “Our most recent community surveys reflect the great work citizens believe our police department does. The new patrol cars will only strengthen their sense of safety, security and peace of mind. That’s a primary goal expressed in our Strategic Plan, and I’m happy Chief Capps and his department will continue facilitating that.”
For more information about The Byrne Discretionary Grant Program, visit https://bja.ojp.gov/program/byrne-discretionary/overview.