MARTINSBURG – Both the city of Martinsburg and Berkeley County received over $20,000 worth of grant funding combined meant to control and prevent crime, according to a Monday press release.

U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. announced the funding awards as part of The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The city of Martinsburg received $11,311, and Berkeley County received $16,132. According to the release, Berkeley County plans to use its funding to enhance law enforcement engagement with the community by deploying community engagement training to law enforcement personnel. Martinsburg will use its funding for continuing building relationships between officers and citizens by using the funds to support the city police department's bicycle patrol unit with the purchase of bicycles, bicycle computers and lights, as well as equipment helpful for hostage and similar situations to establish a line of communication.

Martinsburg City Police Chief Maury Richards said he was very happy to hear that the department had received the funding.

"We can't thank Sens. Capito and Manchin enough for their support of law enforcement and helping us continue on our path of achieving excellence," Richards said.

Richards said the funding will go toward purchasing three police patrol bicycles equipped with lights and computers to ensure every officer has a bike.

Moreover, Richards said the department will be purchasing what is known as a "throw phone" to be used for negotiations, barricades, hostage situations, and potential suicide situations.

"It established a safe and secure direct connection with police, and it's critical in situations like that," Richards said. "With this tool, we'll be able to shut down outside communication and have a person be able to talk to us only."

Richards described the phone as a small suitcase with a communication device inside that is designed to actually be thrown from a safe distance for police to communicate with those involved in hostage or negotiation situations.

Four other counties across the state also received similar funds from the Justice Assistance Grant program.