The US Department of Justice made funds available to law enforcement across the country through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program.  The grant guidelines are as follows- "Funds awarded under the CESF Program must be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers."    

Each eligible agency was given a set amount they could apply for.    The City of Helena's amount was set at $93,907.00.    The police department applied for and was award the grant in the amount of $93,907.00.  

The funding can be used coronavirus expenses incurred for a 2 year period starting January 20, 2020.  The grant application was for coronavirus related Overtime, Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and Mobile Data tablets(MDT) for patrol officers.   The draw down will be done on a reimbursement basis.