By Mark R. Madler, Los Angeles Times
DOWNTOWN BURBANK — A federal grant will allow the Burbank Police Department to continue several crime prevention programs.
The City Council recently accepted the $24,435 Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The money will be divided between the Street Beat television show; crime prevention and education programs; computer equipment; and ballistic vests for the special response team.
Street Beat, broadcast at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Charter Communications Channel 6, began in 1997 and is hosted by Lt. David Gabriel.
“The great benefit of the show, beyond the crime prevention, is that people can talk to a police officer,” Gabriel said. “It connects people to the police department in a way many people don’t have.”
The show’s topics can range from those involving crime, to disaster and earthquake preparedness, pool safety, and firearms issues. Callers to the show are not only from Burbank, but Glendale and La Crescenta as well, Gabriel said.
By accepting the grant, the city also pitches in $2,715 in matching funds.
The Justice Department approved the department’s grant request in July. A local advisory board made up of representatives from the police department, the local court system, the Burbank Unified School District, and a not-for-profit group reviewed the application and proposed uses in August.