The cities of Frederick and Hagerstown are receiving part of $6.3-million in federal funds for local law enforcement. Frederick will be getting $54,272 to purchase technology, including cell phones, fingerprint lifter and laptop commuters. $15,049 is going to Hagerstown to develop new policing strategies.

Federal funds totaling $13,869 are being doled out to Washington County to purchase speed enforcement equipment, and pay for overtime.

The money comes from the US Department of Justice Byrne Justice Grants program which pays for initiatives to reduce violent crime, as well as offenses against children and other victims.

The announcement of the grants awards was made by US Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin.

"I've heard from state and local police from all over Maryland and around the country that the lack of funding means fewer cops on our streets fighting gangs, drugs and child predators, and fewer prosecution of criminals," says Mikulski, in a statement. She chairs the Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Department of Justice. "State and local law enforcement have been stretched and stressed, forced to do more with less. That's why I continue fighting so hard to put this funding in the federal checkbook. I am committed to giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect community safety, protect our families and fight crime."

"The grant is critical to keeping our streets safe, and the men and women who patrol them safe," said Senator Cardin in a statement. "When I talk to law enforcement officials across the state, they all tell me they are being forced to do more with less. Public safety has always been a top priority and I am glad this grant will provide state and local jurisdictions with the added resources they need to fight crime and keep our families and neighborhoods safe."

Other grant recipients are the Governor's Office on Crime Prevention, which is receiving $3.6-million; the cities of Annapolis, Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury; and Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties.