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CHARLOTTE – In response to concerns from local law enforcement and municipalities, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) wrote Attorney General Loretta Lynch in January to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to resume the Equitable Sharing Program, which helps fund local law enforcement agencies.

The DOJ suspended the Equitable Sharing Program in December, but announced last week it is resuming Equitable Sharing Program payments to State and local law enforcement agencies.

“In Matthews, funds from the Equitable Sharing Program provided additional training, safety equipment, and body cameras for the Police Department,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09).

“Our local law enforcement agencies take very seriously their duty to serve and protect our communities. We need to ensure they have the necessary means to carry out that duty. As such, I am pleased to hear the Justice Department will resume Equitable Sharing Program payments.”

The Equitable Sharing Program allows proceeds from federal forfeitures to go to local law enforcement agencies when they assist federal law enforcement in a forfeiture.

Congressman Pittenger and his staff met with law enforcement officials and elected leaders in Waxhaw, Weddington, Stallings, Indian Trail, Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Troutman, Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, as well as Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey and Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell to hear their concerns over the Equitable Sharing Program and other law enforcement issues.

Click here to view a copy of the bipartisan letter Congressman Pittenger sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, co-signed by 17 additional Members of Congress.