ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown’s police force is seeking an influx of up to $20 million for a variety of upgrades including a gunshot detection system, new street surveillance cameras and officer training.
In speaking before Allentown’s City Council on Wednesday evening to request permission to apply for grant money from the state, the city’s chief of police, Charles Roca, said the funds would come from pandemic-related funds through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Bureau (PCCDB).
- Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca requested permission from council to apply for $20 million in grants from the state
- The funds would be used for gunshot detection technology, new city surveillance cameras and officer training
- Council approved Roca's requests to apply for grant funding unanimously
“This is an incredible opportunity to secure funding for what’s needed here,” said Roca.
Roca submitted two requests to council for funding from the PCCDB. The first grant request would be for up to $10 million for gunshot detection technology as well as to enable the department to afford more patrols and additional police presence in the city.
When Councilmember Natalie Santos asked the police chief to explain just how the requested grant would be used to provide for more patrols, Roca explained that they would use a “mix” of techniques, be it more vehicle and on-foot patrols or upping the usage of plain clothes officers.
“It will be leveraging partnerships with our law enforcement partners as well -- state police, DEA, FBI, all different types of agencies — so we can provide the best service,” said Roca. “As well as, you know, letting our neighborhood know that the streets aren’t for the criminal element. The streets are for the good people that work day in and day out in their respective communities and neighborhoods.”
"The streets aren’t for the criminal element. The streets are for the good people that work day in and day out in their respective communities and neighborhoods.”Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca
The other requested grant, also for $10 million, would be used to replace 150 street surveillance cameras throughout the city and provide training for officers to use the National Incident-Based Reporting System, an effort that helps the FBI provide comprehensive crime statistics.
Councilwoman Candida Affa said she supported the request if it could provide more officers on the street, noting that the bike retailer, Trek, which has recently closed its longtime Tilghman Street location, was shuttered after repeated bicycle thefts.
“I believe, if we had more officers and were able to have more patrolling, just one time, breaking those windows at Trek, that would be the last time,” she said. “If these areas are being patrolled, we aren’t going to lose these businesses.”
City Council unanimously approved both requests to allow the city’s police force to submit applications for grants.
The police will now need to submit the requests and it will be up to the PCCDB to determine if they are eventually granted.
Also, earlier this week, council’s budget and finance committee discussed the potential of providing the Lehigh Valley IronPigs minor league baseball team $1.5 million in American Rescue Act funding.
Council did not discuss the issue on Wednesday, but it has been debating whether to support the team’s need for stadium upgrades all summer.
Councilmembers are expected to review this proposal once again at its Oct. 19 meeting.
