The Prescott Valley Police Department has been awarded a $257,000 grant from State of Arizona for the department’s human trafficking, terrorist, and illicit drug interdiction programs.
The funding, announced on June 30 by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, will enable the use of license plate readers and drones to detect the movement of suspects trafficking illegal aliens and other victims of human trafficking, potential terrorists, and illicit drugs. At times, these suspects travel through PVPD’s jurisdiction, and at other times are already present. PVPD shares information with other local, State and Federal agencies to apprehend these criminals. Because of the high risk for violence when arresting suspects in these kinds of crimes, Prescott Valley Police may use drones in apprehension, surveillance, and evidence gathering.
Yavapai County, one of Prescott Valley’s law enforcement partners, received $578,000 in grant funding for its Prosecution and Imprisonment Fund, and $500,000 for its Anti-Drug and Human Trafficking Fund.
“Thank you, Governor Hobbs, for the support you have provided to us,” said Prescott Valley Police Chief Bob Ticer. “It goes a long way, and it means a lot. Not just to the law enforcement community so we can do our jobs, but to the community, that they know we have the support, resources, and dollars to combat these crimes that victimize many Arizonans.”
