Some Hurricane Relief

For most of the law enforcement agencies in the hurricane-affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, their complete computer systems were gone. Replacement computers and supplies were provided by NLECTC-Southeast under the U.S. Department of Defense's 1033 Program. This program permits the Secretary of Defense to transfer excess U.S. Defense Department supplies and equipment to State and local law enforcement agencies without charge. A NLECTC-Southeast representative located computers in Missouri and Illinois that were available under the 1033 Program. He picked up the computers and essential accessories and then drove them to Baton Rouge. Before distribution, he reinstalled operating systems and ensured that the computers were in working order. A total of 160 computers were distributed to law enforcement agencies in Louisiana and 180 to law enforcement agencies in Mississippi. Additional NLECTC-Southeast assistance to law enforcement agencies included help with communication interoperability issues in Texas. A NLECTC-Southeast representative trained staff of the Texas Department of Public Safety in the use of interoperability gateway switches provided by the National Institute of Justice. He helped to restore communications in the Beaumont area and establish communications interoperability among the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Air Force, and the Beaumont Police Department. Work was also done to bring supplies and help solve communication issues in Jasper County, TX.