[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 89 (Monday, June 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1409-E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARMARK DECLARATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2009

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican 
Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following 
information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2010 
Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith
  Bill Number: H.R. 2487
  Account: DOJ--OJP--Byrne
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Austin
  Address of Requesting Entity: 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701
  Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for the City of 
Austin to install security cameras in pedestrian-heavy and high-crime 
locations. This technology will allow the Austin Police Department 
(APD) to ``expand its police force'' by providing the capability to 
monitor activity from a central location. The requested funding may 
also be used to purchase temporary storage space for digital evidence 
obtained from security cameras and to purchase a mobile training 
facility. Police cameras have been shown to reduce crime and provide 
video evidence that bolsters the prosecution of criminal cases. APD 
will use the cameras to fight all crime, with a focus on potentially 
life-threatening crimes such as assaults and robberies which have 
recently increased in various City locations. Also, as the department 
grows, and on-going officer training is needed, the mobile facility 
will greatly enhance Austin's abilities to meet law enforcement 
standards. The versatility of the mobile facility would allow for both 
daytime and night fire training opportunities at a cost that is 
significantly less than the construction of a full scale range. The 
City of Austin will match any federal funds that the delegation secures 
for this project. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any 
financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith
  Bill Number: H.R. 2487
  Account: DOJ--COPS Technology
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of San Antonio, Texas, Police 
Department
  Address of Requesting Entity: 214 West Nueva, San Antonio, TX 78207
  Description of Request: I have secured $1,100,000 for the City of San 
Antonio for the installation of a digital imagery capture and storage 
system, and in-car video equipment. The first phase will be the 
conversion of the current photographic evidence from current CD/DVD 
storage to a dual server and SAN storage system. This system would 
reside in two separate locations, for security purposes and protection 
against catastrophic loss. Additionally, current Evidence Unit cameras 
(photographic and video) would be upgraded to allow for compatibility 
with the new system. In order to allow instant downloading of evidence, 
the wireless connectivity between the Evidence Unit vehicles and the 
servers would be also be upgraded. The second part will be the 
installation of a video camera and transmitter-activated equipment in 
each patrol car

[[Page E1410]]

and motorcycle assigned to the Police Department's Traffic Division. 
This Division is tasked with city wide traffic and other law 
enforcement activities and focuses along all major thoroughfares and 
arterials. By initiating the program with the Traffic Division, full 
coverage of the entire City will be achieved. The implementation of the 
digital image storage system and in car cameras will increase officer 
safety and provide high quality documentation and evidence of police 
activity. This will translate into an increase in successful 
prosecutions and citizen safety. Local funding shortage/issues have 
kept this program from being implemented. Due to the technical nature 
of the program, a full time position will be required to manage and 
maintain the system. The City of San Antonio will hire a full time 
Technician as a matching portion of the program. Salary and benefits 
for such a position are estimated at $55,000 per year. I certify that 
neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith
  Bill Number: H.R. 2487
  Account: DOJ--OJP--Byrne
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas State University--San Marcos 
(on behalf of the City of Lakeway Police Department)
  Address of Requesting Entity: 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 
78666
  Description of Request: I have secured $1,300,000 for Texas State 
University's ALERRT Program. ALERRT seeks funding to train additional 
police officers and to further promote the nationally standardized 
format and train-the-trainer capacity to meet the training needs of the 
more than 16,000 police departments across the nation. This valuable 
training will allow first responding patrol officers to more 
effectively deal with acts of violence before they evolve into full-
blown, national tragedies. Funding will allow for better-trained law 
enforcement agents and safer communities. ALERRT provides first 
responders with the tactics they will need to effectively respond to 
active shooter situations. Currently, there are 423 requests pending 
for ALERRT training. Additional funding for ALERRT would enable the 
program to train more patrol officers, including Lakeway Police 
Department, and thereby improve the safety of our nation's communities. 
I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in 
this project.

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