NNPD Upgrading Firearms with $400,000 in Asset Forfeiture Funds
Commonwealth’s Attorney Receives $15,000 for Victim Services and Community Outreach
The Newport News City Council recently approved two asset forfeiture fund appropriations, directing a combined $415,000 toward public safety and community outreach. The larger of the two allocations, $400,000 to the Newport News Police Department, will fund an upgrade to officer service firearms, equipping them with red dot sighting systems and compatible holsters to improve accuracy and officer safety. A smaller appropriation of $15,000 was also approved for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to support victim services programming, community outreach events, school-based initiatives, and staff training.
The Newport News Police Department will use the $400,000 appropriation to modernize its service firearms with red dot sighting systems, commonly known as optics. These systems are mounted directly to the firearm and are intended to improve accuracy and response capability.
To accommodate the new optics, the department must replace its current firearms with updated models that include the necessary slide modifications for mounting. New holsters compatible with the upgraded firearms will also be required. The department plans to trade in its existing firearms and holsters, which will help offset the total cost of the transition. The purchase must also comply with federal guidelines governing the use of asset forfeiture funds. The appropriation will reduce the department’s asset forfeiture balance from $902,394.49 to $502,394.49.
The funds come from the department’s asset forfeiture account, which is made up of money transferred to the police as a result of officer participation in state and federal criminal cases where defendants’ assets are seized.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will use its $15,000 appropriation to support a range of victim services and community outreach efforts led by the Victim Services Unit and the Community Initiatives & Outreach Manager. Funding originates from proceeds allocated by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services from narcotics-related asset forfeiture cases. Programming includes human trafficking education, domestic violence awareness and training, sexual violence awareness programs and training, elder abuse awareness initiatives, teen violence prevention and education, and the Annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The office also conducts outreach at Newport News Public Schools, hosts events at Patrick Henry Mall two to three times annually, and participates in holiday basket distribution in collaboration with NNPD and faith-based partners. Funds will cover outreach materials, youth program expenses, print media, and staff training. The appropriation will reduce the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s asset forfeiture balance from $65,367.29 to $50,367.29.
Both appropriations were passed as part of the consent agenda and carried the recommendation of the City Manager.
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Government
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Business
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Recreation & Events
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Education
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