(KNSI) – Two central Minnesota law enforcement agencies are in line to split more than $35,000 in federal grant money.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Cloud Police Department have been invited to apply for a 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The two agencies will divide the $35,173 in funds.
The sheriff’s office plans to put its share toward online reporting software from LexisNexis called the Desk Officer Reporting System. The program would give residents a voluntary way to report incidents and concerns online in situations where sending a deputy to the scene isn’t necessary.
The St. Cloud Police Department intends to use its portion to purchase seven Armourer’s Choice Minotaur Lite handgun shields. The shields are designed for active threat response and other situations where first responders need additional protection.
Community members are encouraged to weigh in on how the grant money is used.
Comments and suggestions can be sent to Sheriff-Administration@stearnscountymn.gov.
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