Flanked by law enforcement officials in Sierra Vista, Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday announced $41 million in funding for police departments and the sheriffs office in Cochise County to help tackle border-related crimes.
Most of the funding is going to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, but cities and towns like Benson, Douglas and Wilcox will also benefit from an investment in new law enforcement technologies. A portion of that funding will also go to the Southern Arizona Region Border Enforcement Team to invest in new technology and purchase a helicopter.
“Things like cameras, radars and communication devices allow officers to identify possible criminal activity before it gets here, and communicate with other units across the border,” Hobbs told reporters.
The $41 million comes from the state’s border security fund, a source created under former Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration.
Separately, Hobbs also announced more than $8 million in funds to expand broadband connectivity in approximately 8,000 homes and businesses in Cochise County.
