Nantucket Police Awarded $30K Grant To Acquire Specialized Narcotics Identification Equipment

The Nantucket Police Department announced Wednesday that it has been awarded $30,000 in grant funding from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's administration in support of local public safety initiatives. The funds are awarded through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, and Nantucket was among 171 local police departments selected for funding.

The grant will be used to purchase specialized narcotics identification equipment designed that will allow the Nantucket Police Department to "safely and quickly identify controlled substances in the field," the department stated in a press release. "The technology will allow officers to detect narcotics on-site with laboratory-level accuracy, reducing the time between initial discovery and investigative action."

Nantucket Police Chief Jody D. Kasper added, “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this important support of our department’s efforts to combat narcotics distribution and trafficking on Nantucket. This funding will enhance our ability to target illegal drug activity that threatens the health and safety of people in our community while reducing exposure risks to our officers through rapid, contact-free identification in the field. I also want to recognize the commitment and dedication of our officers and detectives who continue to focus their efforts on identifying and disrupting narcotics activity on our island. Their hard work plays a critical role in protecting our community and improving the overall safety and well-being of Nantucket residents.”