With a half million-dollar state grant, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin will be able fund software support, maintenance and development costs for the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center (RIIC).

“I am very grateful to all of these legislators for the funding they have provided for the RIIC,” Martin said at a recent press conference. “It represents their acknowledgement and understanding of the important work being done there and how it enhances public safety for the citizens of our entire region.”

The $501,500 award goes to Lehigh County, but approximately $275,000 will pass through to offset RIIC operating expenses borne by Northampton County. Lehigh County will get $225,000.

“Since its inception, the RIIC has been an indispensable asset to our region’s ability to fight crime, apprehend criminals and protect the public,” said Senator Pat Browne. “The coordination of vital information between different law enforcement entities is essential to ensure public safety, pursue leads and solve crimes.”

“Enhancing public safety and ensuring our local law enforcement personnel have access to the best possible tools to keep our communities safe has always been one of my greatest priorities as a legislator,” said Senator Lisa Boscola. She praised the “bi-partisan effort” that helped secure the grant.

The RIIC has over 1,200 law enforcement users of its software and services and aggregates about six million local police incident, arrest and records of persons. It also has county jail data from both Lehigh and Northampton counties.

Martin made the announcement in Allentown Sept. 26. He was accompanied by a contingent of lawmakers who Martin credited with helping secure the funding: Pa. State Senators Pat Browne, Lisa Boscola and Mario Scavello. State Representatives Gary Day, Ryan Mackenzie, Steve Samuelson, Mike Schlossberg, Peter Schweyer and Justin Simmons also attended.

Other officials attending Martin’s announcement included Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, Bethlehem Police Department Captain Michelle Kott, Lehigh County Executive Philips Armstrong, Lehigh County Commissioners Geoff Brace and Brad Osborne, Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish and RIIC Director Julia Kocis.