ARP

The purchase of 155 next-generation Taser stun guns and body-worn cameras for every police officer will dramatically elevate the capabilities of the Youngstown Police Department to enforce the law and build trust with citizens, police officials say.

Allocations of more than $1.2 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan funds enabled the police to secure the new equipment, as well as the education, technology and storage space to support it. Officer training is under way, with plans to have everyone with a badge wearing a body camera by 2023.

The Mahoning Valley Mobile Market has delivered a burst of acceleration to efforts to support the thousands of Youngstown residents living in “food deserts.”

Fueled in part by $129,000 in American Rescue Plan funds from the City of Youngstown, the grocery store on wheels has brought fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and more to at least three locations a week –nine some weeks -- since early May. More than 1,100 individuals shopped the 28-foot truck during its first four months on the road.

Thanks to a distribution from the City’s American Rescue Plan funds, 50 new defibrillators – medical devices that can rescue victims of sudden cardiac arrest – are being distributed throughout city departments.

City officials are taking a proactive approach in providing the machines in case any of the hundreds of individuals who visit City buildings each month ever suffers a dangerous heart malfunction.