Historically, grants have provided much-needed seed money for new law enforcement programs that otherwise might not be tried locally. But, once the grant money runs out, local officials must decide if the new programs have been successful enough to be worth the increased costs. Other programs that were started with grant funding, such as the motorcycle cops in the traffic division, have proven beneficial. Statistics show a reduction in the number of crashes and fatality accidents since their implementation. The grants don't take this into account or provide funds to assist these other affected areas.
Prevention is the key.
If the increased law enforcement efforts can help keep crimes from being committed in the first place, we all benefit. This will keep related costs from rising along with the many other benefits associated with a lower crime rate. Using available grant money to expand the local police force is reasonable, but we must analyze the progress prior to the grants expiring. Before the entire cost is shifted to local taxpayers, there must be tangible results and not just a perception of success. Hall County Sheriff Jerry Watson and Grand Island Police Chief Kyle Hetrick have been aggressive in their policing strategies, but they need the additional officers to carry out their plans.