WILMINGTON, DE - In an effort to enhance Delaware's ability to immediately identify violent criminals and prevent convicted felons from obtaining firearms, the Delaware Congressional delegation today announced that the Delaware State Police will receive a $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's National Criminal History Improvement Project (NCHIP). Delaware will use most of the funds (approximately $350,000) to redesign the state's court charging system. This will help law enforcement officials immediately identify individuals with prior criminal records in any state; more effectively identify felons and others prohibited from purchasing guns; check backgrounds of persons responsible for child, disabled, and elder care; and help the state make informed decisions relating to pretrial release and detention of offenders. The money will also allow Delaware to automate programs that link to record systems administered by the FBI, including the National Sex Offender Registry and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). "Automating our criminal records will enhance the ability of our law enforcement agencies to prevent and deter crimes," said Sen. Biden, Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. "The reduction of violent crime is critical to improving the quality of life in our communities," Sen. Carper said. "By providing law enforcement with the tools to more effectively identify offenders, we will help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children." "Gun safety goes beyond making sure a gun is cleaned and stored properly; it means making sure that a gun is not sold to those who should not have them. With these important funds, Delaware will be able to modernize and automate criminal history records and strengthen enforcement for criminals who lie on background checks," said Rep. Castle. NCHIP funds will also be used to:

• Improve the Delaware Justice Information System (DELJIS) Training Center, which provides training to staff of Delaware criminal justice agencies ($28,000);
• Upgrade DELJIS computers to enhance the ability of local law enforcement in serving warrants and online crime reporting ($22,000); and
• Enhance Delaware's Firearms Transaction Approval Program. This will improve the state's ability to track denials and take appropriate action when necessary ($17,500)