Lincoln Police Gets Grant

LINCOLN — A new video camera and radar unit is on the list of things Police Chief Russell Morphis would like to have for the Lincoln Police Department and it could become a possibility thanks to money from the Department of Finance and Administration for an Edward Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

Rhonda Hulse, grant writer and office manager, said the grant award was $4,300.

“The money will be used for the police department,” Hulse said on Thursday after being notified about the city receiving approval of the grant.

“I’ll get all necessary paper work in by the middle of next week and we should receive the money by the middle of November,” Hulse said.

Morphis said he had not determined yet how the money will be spent but topping his list is a new in- car video camera and radar unit.

“I’m not sure of the price on these items so there may be a few other things I can get if I shop wisely and get the biggest bang for the buck,” Morphis said. He would like to have a couple of digital cameras if the dollars stretch far enough.

The police department has six officers and six vehicles. Morphis isn’t sure which vehicles might get the new items.

“I still have a decision to make,” Morphis said, adding his appreciation in receiving more money for the police department. “Without her [Hulse] work securing grants we wouldn’t get these things. We’re very appreciative and this [grant] came in at a great time.”

The police department received two grants in 2012, one for $30,000 for a new police vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger, and a $3,500 grant for a car video system. Both of those grants also were from the Department of Finance and Administration.