TUSCUMBIA – The Colbert County District Attorney’s Office received a $15,000 grant on Wednesday from the Colbert County Community Development Commission to support upgrades in services and resources.
Sen. Larry Stutts, Rep. Kerry Underwood and Rep. Jamie Kiel presented the check to District Attorney Hal Hughston III at the Colbert County Courthouse. Rep. Ernie Yarbrough was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.
“I am always glad to see some of our tax dollars be put to good use locally,” Sen. Stutts said. “The DA’s office has an important role in law enforcement. To provide technology and safety updates for them is a good investment for the community.”
Hughston said the District Attorney’s office has not previously applied for a grant from the Commission.
“With budget cuts around the state for District Attorney offices, these funds will help fill the voids in our budget to implement or update technology vital to the function of our office,” Hughston said. “These funds will provide a means to improve our technological aspect of the grand jury proceedings, jury trials, evidence preparation and law enforcement training.”
Hal Hughston
Hughston said the District Attorney and investigators for the District Attorney’s office are often in the field for various reasons, including serving warrants, locating individuals, interviewing witnesses, worthless check enforcement, subpoenas for trial preparation and being present during high profile criminal events.
“It is vital that they are equipped with technology and equipment for their protection as they work throughout Colbert County,” Hughston said. “It is our intent to equip the District Attorney’s office with the assistance of this grant to function more efficiently and to better serve the citizens of Colbert County as well as improve communication with local law enforcement. We are thankful to the Colbert County Development Commission and local legislators Sen. Larry Stutts, Rep. Jamie Kiel, Rep. Kerry Underwood, and Rep. Ernie Yarbrough for sponsoring this grant.”
Media Release/Dr. Lori Johnson Photos/Steve Wiggins
