Law Enforcement Gets Extra Funds

For the second consecutive year, Ventura County law enforcement agencies will share a $2.2-million windfall.

The money will come from about $100 million included in the state budget the governor signed last week.

Enacted for the first time last year, the Citizens Option for Public Safety, also known as COPS, enables county agencies to receive surplus money from the state’s general fund to pay for equipment and a variety of programs. This year the COPS program was approved through 2000.

The money each agency receives is based upon the population within its jurisdiction. Much of this year’s money is expected to be used to continue programs begun last year.

For instance, the district attorney’s office, which receives 12.5% of the available money, will use its share for salary increases for prosecutors just as it did last year. That, in turn, frees up money that can be used to hire more prosecutors, said Kevin McGee, chief assistant district attorney.

The office is handling eight potential death penalty cases, a number that is virtually unprecedented, he said.

“They require the assignment of extensive resources to investigate and prosecute,” McGee said. COPS “is very important to allow us to meet our responsibilities.”