DHS Grant Money comes to Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island-

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

“But the sheriff’s office, after getting a $225,000 grant through the Homeland Security Grant Program, will be purchasing a new vessel.”

If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?

If the Sheriff was interviewed & asked for his wish list- is there any possibility that it would include a Homeland Security patrol boat?

Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything. If anyone has info, please post in comments.

Local crime problem unrelated to Homeland Security concerns:

Sheriff talks about Whidbey Island burglaries at meeting

Whidbey burglary victims up in arms over lack of arrests

“Tingstad said he sees the burglary increase as a direct result of budget cuts and the loss of 10 deputies since 2008. He said it’s “incredibly important” to have a detective dedicated to drug crimes, but that position was lost in the layoffs.”

The federal government has money to share- but not to curb the sorts of crimes that concern local communities:

Public safety emergency declared due to Whidbey Island crime wave

Down in Oregon-

Cash-strapped Josephine County entertains idea of ‘volunteer’ crime-scene investigators

Citizens take law into own hands after cash-strapped Ore. county guts sheriff’s office

Plenty of cash to look for terrorists-

US Department of Homeland Security:

“…a department with more than 20 different agencies, a budget of more than $45 billion and a staff of hundreds of thousands of civilian, law enforcement and military personnel.”