Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) and Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will receive $1.49 million in federal funds to support the South Carolina Computer Crime Center. The funds will be used to help offset the high costs of procurement, services, and training. In addition, the money will be used to assist SLED in addressing the new requirements in the South Carolina Homeland Security Act for lawful interceptions of communications. “Criminals have taken advantage of computers and modern technology to hide from law enforcement,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It is vital that we provide state and local law enforcement agencies with the equipment and training necessary to combat computer crimes, and bring these people to justice. This grant will help SLED better protect South Carolinians in the twenty-first century.” The funds were earmarked for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the Fiscal Year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, and have been previously announced. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice. ####