The Columbia College Police Department has received a grant from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act, in the amount of $58,158.  The funds will be utilized by the department to enhance training and equipment for first responders investigating crimes and violence against women, including sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence.
 
According to Chief Howard M. Cook, “Being a relatively small law enforcement agency, we are constantly dealing with financial limitations in regards to services that we are able to provide.  Grants like this enable us to train our personnel and equip them in ways that our operational budget would not normally allow for.  We appreciate so much the support we continually receive from the Columbia College administration, as well as the assistance from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.”
 
The grant period lasts for twelve months, beginning October, 2008.  The funds will be used for video recording devices, voice response translator/decoders, digital cameras, and other equipment that will enhance the process of evidence collection and criminal case development.  Additionally, each officer will certify in the area of Rape Aggression Defense, so that this valuable training will be made available to the Columbia College community.